Garlic-Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach and Lemon
Ingredients
- 12 ouncepasta
- 1 poundshrimp (large, peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoonbutter
- 4 clovegarlic
- 3 cupfresh spinach
- 1lemon
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 1 to tastesalt and black pepper
Prep
- 01
Peel and devein shrimp if not already done.
- 02
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
- 03
Cut 1 lemon in half for juicing.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until 2 minutes shy of al dente (it will finish cooking in the pan). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 02
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 03
Increase heat to high. Add shrimp to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
- 04
Return the drained pasta to the pot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add 3/4 cup reserved pasta water and stir over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the pasta absorbs some liquid and becomes creamy.
- 05
Fold in spinach and cooked shrimp, stirring until spinach wilts, about 1 minute. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top, toss gently, and taste. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- 06
Divide into bowls and serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For warmth, add a bigger pinch of red pepper flakes (up to 1/2 teaspoon). Fresh chili flakes work too. A splash of white wine (1/4 cup) added after the garlic deepens the flavor. Finish with fresh basil or parsley if you have it on hand.