
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach: A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home
Craving a luxurious pasta dish that’s easy to make at home? This creamy garlic shrimp pasta with spinach is a perfect choice. With succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a rich garlic cream sauce, it’s the ideal comfort food for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the pasta and sauce:
- 8 ounces (225g) penne or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add the Spinach and Pasta
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until wilted.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring it’s well coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Combine and Serve
- Add the seared shrimp back into the skillet and toss gently to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The garlic cream sauce is perfectly balanced with tender shrimp and spinach.
- Easy to Make: This restaurant-quality dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Swap spinach for kale or add mushrooms for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them carefully to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
- Save Pasta Water: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
3. What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or linguine are all excellent choices for this dish.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta with spinach combines indulgent flavors with a healthy twist, thanks to the addition of fresh spinach. It’s a dish that feels special yet is simple enough to make any night of the week.
Bring the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant home with this creamy garlic shrimp pasta. Try it tonight and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!