Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is a deliciously satisfying dish that perfectly balances rich, buttery flavors with the freshness of spinach and the savory sweetness of shrimp. It’s an elegant yet easy meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
The dish features tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a light, flavorful sauce made from butter, garlic, and a touch of lemon. The combination is luxurious without being heavy — a perfect example of how simplicity can produce outstanding results.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite things — shrimp and pasta — in the most delightful way. The garlic butter sauce is velvety and fragrant, coating each strand of pasta while enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The addition of spinach brings freshness, color, and nutrition, creating a well-balanced meal in every bite.
Another reason I adore this dish is its versatility. It feels fancy enough for a romantic dinner yet simple enough for a weekday meal. The flavors are sophisticated, but the preparation is straightforward — you can make it in under 30 minutes, and it tastes as if you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is a must-try because it’s a true crowd-pleaser — comforting, flavorful, and quick to make. The combination of buttery garlic shrimp, tender pasta, and wilted spinach creates a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
It’s also a wholesome choice, packed with protein, iron, and vitamins from the shrimp and spinach. The light yet rich sauce makes it indulgent without feeling heavy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or treating yourself, this dish brings gourmet flavor with minimal effort.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 490 kcal per serving
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- Salt, for boiling water
For the Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using) and stir.
- Add Spinach and Pasta:
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- Finish the Dish:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and toss everything together.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese if desired and toss again until evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté shrimp in olive oil and butter until just pink; remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add the pasta and shrimp back to the skillet.
- Toss with lemon juice and a little pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach hot, directly from the skillet to the plate. It’s perfect as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. For drinks, serve with chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay — their acidity complements the richness of the butter and the freshness of the shrimp beautifully.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook quickly; once pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Reserve pasta water: It helps emulsify the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
- Use fresh garlic: It enhances the flavor significantly compared to garlic powder.
- Balance flavors: Add a touch more lemon juice if the sauce feels too rich.
- Add the spinach at the end: It wilts quickly and keeps its bright color.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Version:
Add ½ cup of heavy cream and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture. - Spicy Shrimp Pasta:
Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for more heat. - Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta:
Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly version. - Vegetable Additions:
Add cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. - Herb-Infused Butter:
Mix chopped basil or thyme into the butter for a more aromatic sauce. - Wine-Infused Sauce:
Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of white wine before adding the spinach for an extra layer of flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or butter to revive the sauce. - Freezing:
Freezing is not ideal due to the shrimp and spinach, which can lose texture upon thawing. - Make-Ahead Tip:
You can cook the shrimp and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. Combine and reheat with fresh butter and garlic before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Knife and cutting board
- Lemon juicer (optional)
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The succulent shrimp, coated in buttery garlic sauce, pair beautifully with fresh spinach and tender pasta, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet light.
It’s quick to make, deeply flavorful, and endlessly versatile — perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen.
This dish truly embodies comfort and sophistication in one bowl — a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, wholesome pasta meals.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is a deliciously satisfying dish that perfectly balances rich, buttery flavors with the freshness of spinach and the savory sweetness of shrimp.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
For the Shrimp and Sauce
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
-
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and stir.
-
Add Spinach and Pasta: Add spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
-
Finish the Dish: Return the shrimp to the skillet, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and toss everything together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese if desired and toss again until evenly coated.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
