Quick and Easy Shrimp and Spinach Pasta Recipes in 20 min

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As a busy mom, I’m always searching for quick, healthy meals. This shrimp and spinach pasta recipe is perfect. It’s ready in 20 minutes and tastes amazing.

This spaghetti shrimp spinach recipe is easy to make. It uses simple ingredients. The dish is full of flavor and healthy.

Looking for a quick healthy shrimp pasta recipes or a shrimp spinach pasta recipes to impress? This 20-minute shrimp and spinach dish is ideal. Let’s learn how to make it fast!

Introduction to Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

Get ready for a taste adventure with this easy, delicious, and nutritious shrimp and spinach pasta. It’s inspired by a trip to Italy. This dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your home.

Easy, Delicious, and Nutritious Meal

This shrimp and spinach pasta is great for a quick dinner. It’s ready in just 20 minutes. The mix of shrimp, spinach, and creamy sauce makes a balanced and nutritious meal.

Highlights of the Trip to Italy

On a recent trip to Italy, the author explored the country’s food culture. They were inspired by the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. This easy shrimp pasta recipe is a result of that inspiration.

“This shrimp and spinach pasta dish is a delightful way to bring the flavors of Italy right to your own kitchen.”

Ingredients for Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

To make a tasty shrimp and spinach pasta, you need fresh, quality ingredients. The main parts for this dish are:

1 lb (450g) of shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 oz (60g) of fresh baby spinach leaves
2 oz (60g) of unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup (60ml) of low-sodium vegetable stock
1 teaspoon of ancho or cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
1/2 lb (225g) of spaghetti pasta
1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese

These shrimp pasta ingredients, spinach pasta ingredients, and spaghetti ingredients make a tasty and healthy pasta recipe. It will surely please your taste buds.

Ingredient	Quantity
Shrimp	1 lb (450g)
Fresh Baby Spinach	2 oz (60g)
Unsalted Butter	2 oz (60g)
Garlic Cloves	6
Low-Sodium Vegetable Stock	1/4 cup (60ml)
Ancho or Cayenne Pepper	1 teaspoon
Black Pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Red Chili Pepper Flakes	1/2 teaspoon
Italian Seasoning	1/2 teaspoon
Spaghetti Pasta	1/2 lb (225g)
Grated Parmesan Cheese	1 tablespoon

With these shrimp pasta ingredients, spinach pasta ingredients, and spaghetti ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious pasta recipe. It will surely impress everyone.

Variations of Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

The classic shrimp and spinach pasta is a hit, but you can try new flavors too. Two great options are tomato shrimp pasta and spicy cajun shrimp pasta.

Tomato Shrimp Pasta

Try a twist with tomato shrimp pasta by adding crushed Campari tomatoes. This brings a tangy taste that goes well with shrimp and spinach. Add a creamy ricotta cheese topping for a rich treat.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

For a spicy twist, make spicy cajun shrimp pasta. Season the shrimp with Cajun spice, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Follow the Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe for a dish that will excite your taste buds.

Whether you stick with the classic or try new seafood pasta variations and pasta recipe variations, these shrimp dishes will be loved by all.

Preparing the Ingredients

Getting your ingredients ready is key for this quick shrimp and spinach pasta recipe. Let’s go through the steps to make your dish perfect.

Thawing and Prepping Shrimp

If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them first. The best method is to put them in cold water. Change the water every 5 minutes. This should take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the shrimp size.

After thawing, dry the shrimp with paper towels. This helps them sear well when cooked.

Prepping Vegetables and Other Ingredients

Mince the garlic cloves. Aim for a ¼ to ½ inch dice for even cooking.
Chop the onion into a similar ¼ to ½ inch dice.
Measure out the 2 cups of baby spinach leaves.
If using fresh tomatoes, dice them into bite-sized pieces.

Having all your ingredients ready makes cooking fast and easy. Remember, the secret to a great shrimp and spinach pasta is in the prep.

Cooking the Pasta

To make a tasty shrimp and spinach pasta, cooking the pasta right is crucial. Start by heating a big pot of salted water until it boils. Then, add 8 oz (220g) of your favorite pasta, like penne or spaghetti.

Cook the pasta as the package says, stirring now and then. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of firmness.

Getting the pasta just right is important. If it’s too soft, it won’t be as good with the other ingredients. So, use a timer and check the pasta a bit before it’s done. This way, you’ll avoid mushy noodles.

When the pasta is al dente, save about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. This water will help the sauce stick to the pasta better.

Drain the pasta in a colander and shake it gently. This removes extra water. Now, the pasta is ready to mix with the shrimp and spinach sauce.

“Perfectly cooked pasta is the foundation of a delicious shrimp and spinach dish. Taking the time to get the texture just right will make all the difference in the final result.”

shrimp and spinach pasta

Get ready to enjoy a tasty shrimp and spinach pasta dish. It’s quick to make and full of flavor. This recipe combines juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and pasta, all in a garlic butter sauce.

The main ingredients are:

1 pound of extra-large uncooked shrimp
8 ounces of uncooked rigatoni, penne, or bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup of dry white wine
3/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 cup of half-and-half or milk
2 cups of fresh torn spinach leaves

To make this shrimp pasta recipe, thaw and prep the shrimp first. Then, cook the pasta as the package says. In a skillet, cook the shrimp in olive oil and butter until they’re done.

Add lemon juice, wine, oregano, and salt. Let the sauce simmer. Then, mix in half-and-half or milk, spinach, and pasta. Toss until the spinach wilts and the sauce covers the shrimp and spinach pasta well.

Serve this shrimp and spinach pasta dish right away. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for more flavor. This quick and easy meal is great for weeknights or when you have guests over.

Making the Sauce

The Parma Rosa sauce is the heart of this shrimp and spinach pasta dish. It’s a mix of tomato and Alfredo cream sauces. This blend gives a rich taste that covers the pasta and shrimp perfectly.

Creating the Parma Rosa Sauce

To start, you need garlic, white wine, fire-roasted tomatoes, and heavy cream or half-and-half. First, sauté the garlic in olive oil and butter until it smells great. Then, add white wine to the pan to mix the flavors.

After that, add the fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the tastes. Finally, add heavy cream or half-and-half, and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. You’ll get a creamy, dreamy parma rosa sauce that’s perfect with the shrimp and spinach pasta.

Ingredient	Quantity
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Butter	2 tbsp
White wine	1/2 cup
Fire-roasted tomatoes	24 oz
Heavy cream or half-and-half	1/4 cup
Salt	1/2 tsp
Black pepper	1/4 tsp
Dried oregano	3/4 tsp

The Parma Rosa sauce is what makes this shrimp and spinach pasta dish special. Its creamy and flavorful nature goes well with the tender shrimp and fresh spinach. It makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Assembling the Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

It’s time to put together your tasty shrimp and spinach pasta. First, cook the pasta. Then, get the shrimp ready and make the creamy Parma Rosa sauce. Now, it’s time to mix everything for a delicious flavor.

Begin by mixing the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp and fresh spinach. Make sure everything is well combined and covered in the flavorful sauce. This is key for a great pasta assembly.

When tossing the pasta, be gentle but thorough. This helps the shrimp, spinach, and sauce blend well. You want each bite to be a perfect mix of textures and flavors.

After mixing, add some fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese on top. This adds flavor and makes the dish look good. This simple trick makes your shrimp and spinach pasta look and taste amazing.

“The key to a perfect shrimp and spinach pasta is in the assembly – every component should work in harmony to create a truly remarkable dish.”

Serving Suggestions

The shrimp and spinach pasta dish is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for many occasions. Whether it’s a date night or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill.

Pairing with Garlic Bread and Salads

Consider serving the shrimp and spinach pasta with garlic bread and fresh salads. The garlic bread adds a crunchy, flavorful touch. Meanwhile, the salads bring a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Some great side dish options include:

Crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette
Caesar salad with homemade croutons
Roasted vegetable medley, such as asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini

These sides enhance the dining experience. They balance flavors and textures, making the meal complete.

Side Dish	Description	Preparation Time
Garlic Bread	Crusty bread topped with a garlic-butter spread	10 minutes
Caesar Salad	Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing	15 minutes
Roasted Vegetables	Assorted vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini, roasted with olive oil and seasoning	25 minutes

Pairing the shrimp and spinach pasta with these sides creates a balanced meal. It’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your family’s cravings.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover shrimp and spinach pasta, you’ll be happy to know it keeps well. To store your how to store shrimp pasta, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover shrimp pasta again, a quick reheating will make it taste as fresh as the first time.

To how to reheat shrimp pasta, add a bit of pasta water to the container. Then, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. This keeps the pasta and sauce creamy. But, don’t reheat it too many times to avoid it becoming dry.

Storage Method	Shelf Life
Refrigerator	Up to 2 days
Freezer	Not recommended

By following these tips, you can enjoy every bite of your shrimp pasta. It will stay fresh and flavorful, even when you’re eating leftovers.

Conclusion

This shrimp and spinach pasta dish is a tasty mix of flavors and textures. It’s not just delicious but also healthy, perfect for any meal. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with friends.

With just a few simple steps, you can make this “little piece of Italy” in your kitchen. You can also make it your own by adding different veggies or changing the spice level. This makes the shrimp and spinach pasta recipe both fun and flexible.

We hope you’ll give this quick and easy pasta recipe a try. Share your experiences and feedback with us. Enjoy the flavors of this homemade pasta dish and the joy of making a healthy meal at home.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients in the shrimp and spinach pasta recipe?

The main ingredients are spaghetti, fresh garlic, and deveined shrimp. You’ll also need baby spinach leaves, butter, olive oil, and white wine (optional).