Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is fast and tasty. You can make it in under 30 minutes. It is good for busy weeknights. It is also fresh and good for you. It has shrimp, spinach, and garlic. You can make food that tastes like a restaurant meal at home. The ingredients are simple but give big flavor. You can change this recipe to fit what you like.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach

First, cook the pasta. While the pasta cooks, cook the shrimp. Then make the sauce in the same pan. Add the spinach and shrimp to the sauce. Mix in the cooked pasta. Toss everything together. Serve hot.

Ingredients of Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach

12 oz linguine pasta
Salt, for pasta water
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
5 oz fresh spinach
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Directions of Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Boil a large pot of salted water.
Add the linguine. Cook as the package says until it is al dente.
Before you drain the pasta, save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest of the water. Set the linguine aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp to the hot pan in one layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink. Do not crowd the pan. Cook in small amounts if needed.
Take the cooked shrimp out of the pan. Set it aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the rest of the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same pan.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you use them). Cook for 1-2 minutes until they smell good. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth or water. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer and get a little thicker for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Add the fresh spinach to the pan. Cook until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
Put the cooked shrimp back in the pan.
Add the cooked linguine. Pour in 1/4 cup of the saved pasta water. Toss everything to coat the pasta with the sauce. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too dry.
Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice.
Add salt and fresh black pepper to taste.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach

Serve your Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach. Sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top. You can also have a simple green salad with a light dressing. Crusty bread is good for soaking up the sauce. Roasted asparagus can be a nice side.

How to Store Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach

This dish is best fresh. You can put leftovers in the fridge. They will be good for up to 2 days. The pasta might get a bit soft. The shrimp might get a bit tough when you reheat it.

Tips to Make Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach

Do not overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast. Take it out of the pan as soon as it turns pink and is no longer see-through. This keeps it soft and juicy.
Saved pasta water is important: The starchy pasta water makes the sauce smooth. It helps the sauce stick to the linguine. Do not skip this step.
Fresh ingredients are best: Fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon make the taste much better.
Change the spiciness: Add more red pepper flakes if you like spicy food. Leave them out if you do not want it spicy.

Variation

Creamy flavor: For a richer sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. Do this just before adding the parsley and lemon.
Add cherry tomatoes: Cut a cup of cherry tomatoes in half. Add them to the pan with the spinach. This adds sweetness and color.
Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free linguine to make this dish gluten-free.
Other greens: You can use baby kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different taste.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach ahead of time?

A1: You can get the ingredients ready early. But this dish tastes best when it is fresh. The pasta can get soft. The shrimp can get tough if you reheat it. Leftovers still taste good.

Q2: What kind of shrimp is best for this Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach recipe?

A2: Large shrimp are best. They stay juicy and soft. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and cleaned.

Q3: I do not have chicken broth. What can I use in the sauce for Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach?

A3: You can use water or vegetable broth. They will still make the sauce taste good.

Q4: Can I use different types of pasta for this Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach?

A4: Yes, you can. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will work well. Choose a pasta that holds sauce nicely.