If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together without fuss, the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish brilliantly combines succulent shrimp infused with smoky paprika and a subtle chili kick, tender spinach for a fresh veggie boost, and bright lemon zest and juice that lift every bite. The pasta serves as the perfect cozy canvas for all these flavors to meld. Healthy, straightforward, and downright delicious, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite weeknight meal that feels both special and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden tray holds all the ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left is a white bowl full of fresh green spinach leaves. To its right, a larger white bowl is filled with raw, grayish-white peeled shrimp. Between these bowls, uncooked yellow spaghetti pasta lies flat in the center of the tray. Below the pasta, several small bowls hold different ingredients: bright green basil leaves in a white bowl, finely minced yellow lemon zest on the left, a small bowl with red paprika powder, a half lemon with a bright yellow center, a bowl of golden olive oil, minced garlic in a gray bowl, and crushed red pepper in a small beige bowl. The colors are fresh and vibrant, showcasing each ingredient clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to this recipe’s charm. Each component contributes essential layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the final dish shine without requiring complicated steps or obscure items.

Shrimp (1 pound, thawed and tails removed): The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up seasoning beautifully.
Olive oil (4 Tbsp divided): Adds richness and helps develop flavor in both shrimp and sauce.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Brings a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the shrimp.
Chili flakes (1/2 tsp): Just enough heat for a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the natural flavors.
Pasta (approx. 5 ounces dry): The comforting base that ties everything together; choose your favorite type.
Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Infuses the olive oil with irresistible aroma and depth.
Fresh spinach (4 cups): Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and a tender yet earthy flavor.
Lemon (half, plus zest): Brightens the dish with zesty citrus notes that balance richness.
Fresh basil or parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Offers a burst of herbaceous freshness.
Optional fresh parmesan: For a creamy, salty finish if you like a cheesy touch.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by thawing your shrimp completely and removing the tails. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it flavors the dish evenly, zest your lemon to capture those bright oils, and chop your fresh herbs. Having everything ready will keep the cooking flow smooth and manageable.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, then return it to the pot to stay warm and ready for tossing later. This base is where all your lovely flavors will mingle.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels to achieve a perfect sear. Toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl, coating them evenly. Heat a large pan over medium-high and add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp and set aside so you can continue with the sauce in the same pan.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

Add more olive oil to the pan and gently sauté the minced garlic for a few minutes until it’s fragrant and just turning golden. Immediately toss in the fresh spinach, stirring continuously until it wilts slightly. This short cooking retains spinach’s vibrant color and tender texture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Bright Elements

Turn off the heat and add your cooked pasta back into the pan with the garlic and spinach. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, the remaining olive oil, your cooked shrimp, and fresh herbs. Season everything with salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta and bring all those delicious ingredients together in harmony.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up this gorgeous pasta while it’s still hot. Grate some fresh parmesan over the top if you like, adding a luscious, savory layer to every bite. This meal is the perfect balance of easy, fresh, and crave-worthy.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe

In a gray pan with a light gray handle, there is a dish of spaghetti mixed with cooked shrimp and wilted spinach. The spaghetti is light yellow and is twisted in several loose piles. Orange-pink shrimp pieces are spread evenly on top, showing slight grill marks and seasoning. Dark green spinach leaves are scattered throughout, adding a fresh contrast. Around the pan, on a white marbled surface, there are small white dishes holding fresh green herbs, lemon halves, and garlic cloves. The overall look is warm and fresh with natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your plate visually and taste-wise, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top right before serving. A light dusting of freshly grated parmesan creates a luscious finish that melts into the warm pasta. You can also add a few twists of black pepper for an inviting aroma.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, complementing the citrus flavors in the pasta. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables can also round out the meal for a more substantial feast that your family and friends will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls with shrimp artfully arranged on top for splendid presentation. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh squeeze, and serve with a small dish of extra chili flakes for those who want to add an extra kick. It’s a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making for an easy next-day lunch or dinner. The flavors meld even more after resting, so it can taste just as good reheated.

Freezing

While freezing pasta dishes with seafood isn’t always recommended due to texture changes, you can freeze the components separately. Store cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container and cooked pasta separately, defrost and reheat gently, then combine for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and keep everything moist. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery and pasta dry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but drain it very well to avoid excess water in your pasta. Fresh spinach offers a better texture and brightness, but frozen works in a pinch.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

This recipe works well with long pastas like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine because they hold the sauce and herbs nicely, but feel free to use your favorite shape.

Is this recipe spicy?

There is a gentle heat from the chili flakes, but it’s quite mild. You can adjust the amount to make it more or less spicy depending on your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the shrimp and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?

The shrimp should turn fully opaque and firm up but remain tender. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch the color change carefully during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe truly strikes the perfect balance between fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It’s a weeknight game-changer that feels indulgent without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it at home—once you do, I guarantee it will become a staple in your cooking rotation that you’ll return to again and again. Happy cooking!