This Parmiggiano Shrimp Garlic Pasta with Lemon, Tomato, and Spinach is a bright, savory seafood pasta packed with fresh flavors and simple ingredients. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in garlic butter until tender, then tossed with al dente pasta, fresh spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes.
A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness, while grated Parmigiano brings a rich, salty finish that melts into the warm noodles. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and balances freshness with classic Italian-inspired flavors.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the shrimp, which are sautéed to perfection in garlic butter, creating a succulent base for the pasta.
Fresh spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and nutrition, making this a healthy shrimp pasta option.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the bright green spinach to the juicy tomatoes, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Cooking the Perfect Pasta
Choosing the right pasta is essential for this recipe. Spaghetti or linguine works wonderfully, providing a perfect canvas for the shrimp and vegetables.
Cooking the pasta until al dente is key, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the other ingredients.
Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! This starchy liquid can help bind the dish together, creating a cohesive sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is where the magic happens. Melting butter in a skillet and adding minced garlic creates an aromatic base that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Cooking the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque ensures they remain tender and juicy.
Incorporating the cherry tomatoes and spinach into the skillet allows them to soften and meld with the garlic butter, creating a delicious medley of flavors.
Bringing It All Together
Once the shrimp and vegetables are ready, it’s time to combine everything.
Adding the cooked pasta to the skillet along with lemon juice and grated Parmigiano cheese creates a rich, savory dish that is both satisfying and refreshing.
The cheese melts into the warm pasta, adding a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
Plating this dish is an opportunity to showcase its vibrant colors.
Garnishing with additional Parmigiano and fresh parsley adds a touch of elegance, while a wedge of lemon on the side invites diners to add a splash of brightness to their plates.
Serving this shrimp pasta with spinach and tomatoes on a rustic wooden table enhances its inviting presentation, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Why This Dish Stands Out
This Parmiggiano Shrimp Garlic Pasta with Lemon, Tomato, and Spinach is not just a meal; it’s an experience.
With its combination of flavors and textures, this dish is a delightful option for anyone seeking healthy shrimp pasta recipes that are quick and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this shrimp lemon garlic pasta is sure to impress and satisfy.
Quick and Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This recipe for Shrimp Lemon Garlic Pasta combines sautéed shrimp, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes with pasta for a delightful meal. The preparation is straightforward, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish, and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon juice, reserved pasta water, and grated Parmigiano. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmigiano and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious shrimp pasta!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g