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Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Spinach and Pasta

weeknightquickitalian-inspired
10 minPrep20 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 1 poundshrimp (large, peeled and deveined)
  • 10 ouncesspinach (fresh)
  • 4 clovesgarlic
  • ¾ cupheavy cream
  • 12 ouncespasta (pappardelle or fettuccine)
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 2 tablespoonsbutter
  • 1 teaspoonkosher salt
  • ½ teaspoonblack pepper
  • ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
  • ½ cupparmesan cheese

Prep

  1. 01

    Mince 4 cloves garlic.

  2. 02

    Roughly chop 10 ounces fresh spinach.

Method

  1. 01

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

  2. 02

    While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink. Transfer to a plate.

  3. 03

    Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 04

    Pour in heavy cream and stir gently. Add spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

  5. 05

    Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to combine. Add more pasta water if needed for a silky sauce. Stir in parmesan cheese.

  6. 06

    Serve immediately in shallow bowls with extra parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.

Spice Tips

For a touch of heat, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the cream sauce beautifully.

Swap fettuccine or linguine if pappardelle isn't available. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Leftovers keep refrigerated for 1 day but are best eaten fresh.

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