This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is a simple and delicious weeknight dinner that combines fresh shrimp, sautéed spinach, and pasta in a zesty lemon garlic sauce. Infused with smoked paprika and chili flakes for a kick, this dish is as flavorful as it is nutritious, packed with protein from the shrimp and vitamins from the spinach.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb (454g) shrimp, thawed and tails removed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp chili flakes

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 5 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or preferred pasta)

• 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups spinach

• ½ lemon, juice and zest

• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

• Optional: Fresh Parmesan, to serve

Directions

1. Prep the Shrimp:

   • Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Toss the shrimp with 1 tbsp of olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and return to the pot.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

   • Heat a large pan over medium-high. Add the shrimp in batches, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

4. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach:

   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Combine the Pasta:

   • Turn off the heat. Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with the shrimp, lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining olive oil, and fresh basil. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.

6. Serve:

   • Serve immediately, topping with fresh Parmesan, if desired.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 733

• Carbohydrates: 58g

• Protein: 57g

• Fat: 31g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 365mg

• Sodium: 332mg

• Potassium: 1164mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 2g

• Vitamin A: 6426 IU

• Vitamin C: 20mg

• Calcium: 243mg

• Iron: 4mg

This flavorful dish is packed with the health benefits of shrimp and spinach, and it’s perfect for a light yet filling meal. Let me know if you need further adjustments!

The Health Benefits of Shrimp and Spinach

The combination of shrimp and spinach makes this dish both nutritious and satisfying. Shrimp is a high-protein food, offering about 20-25 grams of protein per serving, which is essential for muscle repair and overall bodily functions. It’s also low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight while still enjoying a flavorful meal. On the other hand, spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron. The vibrant green leaves of spinach are rich in antioxidants, which support immune health and help fight inflammation. Together, shrimp and spinach provide a balanced meal that’s rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Smoked Paprika and Chili Flakes: A Flavorful Kick

What makes this dish truly special is the zesty, spicy kick provided by smoked paprika and chili flakes. Smoked paprika brings a deep, earthy flavor to the shrimp, adding a smokiness that enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood. The chili flakes provide just the right amount of heat, making the dish more exciting without overwhelming the other flavors. The combination of smoked paprika and chili flakes brings a perfect balance of spice and smokiness that complements the brightness of the lemon and the savory richness of the garlic.

Lemon Garlic Sauce: Fresh and Zesty

The lemon garlic sauce ties the entire dish together, bringing freshness and depth. Lemon juice and zest infuse the pasta with a bright, citrusy flavor, while the garlic adds a savory base that elevates the shrimp and spinach. The sauce is simple to make—just a few tablespoons of olive oil and a quick toss of ingredients in the pan—and it coats the shrimp and pasta beautifully. The addition of fresh basil or parsley at the end gives the dish an herbal note that complements the garlic and lemon. It’s light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, allowing the natural flavors of the shrimp and spinach to shine.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly in the pan. Toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to coat them evenly. Let the shrimp sit while you prepare the pasta.

2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed. Return the pasta to the pot and set it aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking them for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add the spinach and cook it until wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

5. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp: Turn off the heat and add the cooked pasta, shrimp, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh basil to the pan. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.

Nutritional Benefits of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach

Each serving of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach provides about 733 calories, making it a hearty yet well-balanced meal. With 57 grams of protein, this dish helps meet daily protein needs, supporting muscle growth and recovery. The 31 grams of fat in the recipe come from the olive oil and shrimp, providing healthy unsaturated fats that contribute to heart health. With 58 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber, the pasta gives you a steady source of energy while keeping you feeling full. The dish is also rich in potassium (1164 mg) from the spinach, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports proper muscle function.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple side salad made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing crunch to the meal. If you prefer a heartier side, roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the flavors of the pasta beautifully. A slice of crusty bread is also a great accompaniment, perfect for sopping up the leftover garlic-lemon sauce.

For variations, you can try swapping the shrimp for other protein options like grilled chicken, scallops, or even a plant-based protein like tofu. To make the dish even lighter, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. For those who prefer more heat, feel free to increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of succulent shrimp, wilted spinach, and zesty lemon garlic sauce, this meal is both satisfying and refreshing. The smoked paprika and chili flakes add a depth of flavor and a subtle kick, making this pasta dish stand out from the crowd. It’s easy to prepare, packed with protein and vitamins, and offers a balanced combination of flavors and textures that will leave you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this recipe is sure to impress.