When you’re scrambling for a weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but you *really* only have about 30 minutes? Yeah, that’s my jam. And let me tell you, this Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta With Garlic Cream is my absolute savior. It’s the kind of meal that impresses and satisfies without breaking a sweat. Seriously, the combination of plump shrimp, wilted spinach, and that unbelievably rich, garlicky cream sauce clinging to every strand of pasta is just… *chef’s kiss*.

I’ve perfected this so many times, tweaking little things here and there, and I can honestly say it always hits the spot. It’s got that magic mix of simple ingredients coming together to create something seriously special. Forget takeout tonight, because this pasta is about to become your new go-to fast-but-fabulous dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta With Garlic Cream

Honestly, this dish is a weeknight warrior for so many reasons. First off, it’s lightning fast – think under 40 minutes start to finish. Plus, it uses pantry staples and simple fresh ingredients, making it incredibly easy to whip up even when you’re tired.

But the best part? The flavor! That rich, garlicky cream sauce hugged by tender shrimp and wilted spinach is pure comfort food. It’s elegant enough for guests but so darn easy, you’ll make it for yourself on a Tuesday. You really just can’t beat a meal that’s this quick, this delicious, and this forgiving!

Ingredients for Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta With Garlic Cream

Okay, the magic really starts with just a few key players here. For this amazing Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta With Garlic Cream, you’ll want to grab:

1 pound of linguine or fettuccine – whatever pasta shape you love works, but these have a great mouthfeel for this sauce.
2 tablespoons of olive oil – good quality makes a difference!
1 pound of large shrimp, all peeled and deveined. Fresh is best, but you can totally use good quality frozen ones if you thaw them completely.
4 cloves of garlic, minced super fine. Don’t skimp on the garlic, this is a *garlic* cream sauce after all!
A little pinch of red pepper flakes, about 1/2 teaspoon, if you like a tiny bit of a kick. Totally optional, but I think it adds a lovely depth.
1 cup of heavy cream. This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy!
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Get the real stuff, it melts so much better than the pre-shredded kind.
5 ounces of fresh spinach. It looks like a lot, but it wilts down like crazy!
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Always taste and adjust!
And for a pretty finish, some fresh parsley, chopped – it just brightens everything up.

Equipment Needed for Your Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta

You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this dish, thankfully! Most of it is pretty standard kitchen stuff. You’ll want a good-sized pot for cooking your pasta, and a big skillet is a must for whipping up that glorious sauce. Of course, don’t forget your measuring cups and spoons, a colander for draining the pasta, and a nice sharp knife for mincing that garlic and chopping your parsley. That’s really it – simple tools for a simply delicious meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta

Alright, let’s get this party started! Making this super tasty Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta With Garlic Cream is way easier than you think. I’ve broken it down step-by-step, and trust me, you’ve got this!

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, get your pasta cooking! Bring a big pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your linguine or fettuccine and cook it according to the package directions, aiming for that perfect al dente bite. Before you drain it, do yourself a favor and scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for making your sauce just right. Then, drain your pasta. For more pasta tips, check out our pasta cooking guide.

Preparing the Shrimp

While your pasta is doing its thing, grab a large skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium-high heat. We want it nice and hot, but not smoking! Toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp. They cook super fast – seriously, just about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn that lovely pink color and are cooked through. Don’t overcook them or they’ll get tough! Once they’re done, just slide them out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate for a sec.

Building the Garlic Cream Sauce

Now for the luscious sauce! In that same skillet (less dishes, always a win!), add your minced garlic and the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give it a stir for about a minute until you can really smell that amazing garlic aroma. Be careful here, burnt garlic is a sad, bitter thing! Pour in the heavy cream and let it come up to a gentle simmer. Stir in that grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melty and the sauce starts to thicken up just a little. It should look beautifully creamy! Find more sauce making secrets here.

Wilting the Spinach and Combining

Once your sauce is looking fabulous, toss in all that fresh spinach. It might seem like a mountain, but give it a minute and it’ll wilt down beautifully into the sauce. Now, bring your cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Add your drained pasta right into the mix. Use some tongs to toss everything together, making sure every single strand of pasta and all those sweet little shrimp are coated in that delicious garlic cream sauce. If it looks a bit too thick for your liking, just add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it’s just how you want it.

Seasoning and Serving

Almost there! Now’s the time to taste your masterpiece. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper until it tastes absolutely perfect to you. Give it one final toss, then serve it up right away! A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top makes it look as good as it tastes. Enjoy every single bite!

Tips for Perfect Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta

You know, even with a recipe this easy, a few little tricks can really elevate it. Here are my go-to tips to make sure your Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta With Garlic Cream is absolutely perfect every single time!

First off, don’t shortchange the garlic! I always use freshly minced garlic, and I make sure it’s super fine. That way, you get that lovely garlic flavor infused throughout the sauce instead of biting into big chunks. If you’re using store-bought minced garlic, just make sure it’s really fresh. For more on amazing sauces, check out our guide to sauces.

Also, please, please don’t overcook your shrimp! They cook in a flash in that hot skillet. It’s better to pull them out a minute early and let them finish cooking in the warm pasta and sauce than to have them turn rubbery. Trust me on this one!

And don’t forget about that reserved pasta water! It’s not just plain water; it’s got that lovely starch from the pasta that helps emulsify the sauce and make it cling beautifully to everything. It’s my secret weapon for getting that perfect sauce consistency every time. For more pasta tips, see how to cook pasta like a pro.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s talk about a couple of things in this yummy Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta With Garlic Cream that you might want to tweak! For the pasta, linguine and fettuccine are my faves because they hold onto that luscious sauce so well, but honestly, spaghetti or even penne would work in a pinch. If you want a lighter sauce, you can totally swap out some of the heavy cream for half-and-half, but it might not be quite as rich, which is okay if that’s your goal!

Serving Suggestions for Your Pasta Dish

This Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta With Garlic Cream is practically a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a few things to make it even more special. A simple, bright green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner, cutting through the richness of the sauce beautifully. And who can resist some crusty artisan bread for soaking up every last drop of that incredible garlic cream? For a drink, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio is just perfect! You might also enjoy some delicious garlic knots.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers of this amazing Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta With Garlic Cream? Lucky you! Store any extra pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days max. The cream sauce is best fresh, so it might get a little weird if it sits too long.

When you’re ready to reheat, do it gently. I like to use a skillet over low heat with just a tiny splash of milk or cream to loosen things up. Microwaving works too, but be careful not to overheat, especially the shrimp!

Frequently Asked Questions About Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta

Got questions about this speedy shrimp and spinach pasta? I’ve got answers!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method. Pat them super dry before cooking, though, so they get a nice sear instead of steaming.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you’re out of heavy cream, you can totally use half-and-half, but know that your sauce won’t be quite as rich and might be a little thinner. You could also try evaporated milk in a pinch, but heavy cream really is best for that luxurious texture. For more sauce tips, peek at how to make easy pasta sauces.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

You can definitely make a vegetarian version by simply omitting the shrimp! It’s still super delicious with just the garlic cream sauce and spinach. For a vegan twist, you’d need to substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative (like cashew cream or a good coconut milk, though be mindful of the flavor) and use vegan Parmesan cheese.

My sauce seems too thick, what can I do?

Don’t panic! That’s exactly what the reserved pasta water is for. Just stir in a tablespoon or two at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that coats everything perfectly. Check out more pasta troubleshooting if you need it!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, these numbers are an *estimate*! What you see here is based on the ingredients listed and typical serving sizes. Things like the exact amount of oil you use, the size of your shrimp, or the specific brand of cream can all make a little difference. So, consider this a good ballpark figure for your delicious Flavorful Shrimp And Spinach Pasta With Garlic Cream.

Per serving (approximate): Calories: 650, Fat: 30g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 60g, Sugar: 5g, Protein: 35g, Sodium: 450mg.

Flavorful Shrimp and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce

Author: faironplay.com
Total Time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and delicious pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound linguine or fettuccine
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 ounces fresh spinach
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the same skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be thinner.
Add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: shrimp pasta, spinach pasta, garlic cream sauce, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta