This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp & Spinach Pasta is the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and a rich garlic cream sauce come together with fresh spinach for a meal that feels restaurant-quality yet is effortlessly homemade. I made this dish for a quick dinner one evening, craving something indulgent but easy, and it completely delivered. The shrimp cook up tender and buttery, while the spinach adds a fresh, slightly earthy touch that balances the creaminess perfectly. Best of all, everything cooks in one pan, saving you from a pile of dishes afterward. It’s the kind of meal that impresses guests and satisfies weeknight cravings alike—creamy, garlicky, and irresistibly comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pan pasta is fast, flavorful, and foolproof. You’ll love how the shrimp cook right in the sauce, infusing it with a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic and cream. The spinach gives a pop of color and lightness, while the Parmesan cheese ties everything together with a savory, velvety finish. It’s a complete meal in one—protein, veggies, and pasta all together—and it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
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One-Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp & Spinach Pasta: Elegant Flavor Made Easy
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A delicious one-pan creamy garlic shrimp and spinach pasta featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce, tossed with fresh spinach and pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed, then sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk, then bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture; if using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
- For extra creaminess, add an additional tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula if desired.
- This dish pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a fresh side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in balancing richness, flavor, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Shrimp – Use medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Their natural sweetness shines in the creamy garlic sauce. I prefer using fresh shrimp, but thawed frozen shrimp works just as well.
Pasta – Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work beautifully, as they soak up the creamy sauce and complement the shrimp perfectly.
Butter – A key player that adds richness and depth while enhancing the flavor of the garlic.
Garlic – The star of this dish. Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter and cream with an irresistible aroma and depth.
Heavy cream – Forms the luxurious, velvety sauce that makes this pasta so comforting. It blends perfectly with the garlic and cheese.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty note that thickens the sauce naturally and elevates the creaminess.
Spinach – Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a pop of color and a hint of earthiness that balances the richness.
Olive oil – Helps sear the shrimp perfectly while adding a light, fruity undertone to the sauce.
Chicken or vegetable broth – Enhances the flavor of the pasta as it cooks directly in the liquid, making the sauce more flavorful.
Salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes – Simple seasonings that bring balance and a touch of heat.
Lemon juice – A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens up the entire dish, cutting through the cream and lifting the flavor.
Directions
Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is nearly done and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the spinach, stirring until it wilts into the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until the shrimp are heated through and coated in the creamy sauce.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people generously.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Variations and Customizations
Sun-Dried Tomato Twist
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy sweetness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Cajun-Style Shrimp Pasta
Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning before cooking for a spicy, smoky kick.
Lightened-Up Version
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter, but still creamy, sauce.
Cheesy Upgrade
Mix in shredded mozzarella or cream cheese for an extra-rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Garlic Lovers’ Edition
Add roasted garlic or a pinch of garlic powder for deeper flavor.
Pesto Spin
Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for a fresh, herby layer that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Vegetarian Adaptation
Skip the shrimp and add more vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
Lemon-Parmesan Finish
Add extra lemon zest and Parmesan right before serving for a bright, tangy flavor boost.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
2. What kind of pasta works best?
Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich. Cream gives the best texture.
4. How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?
Cook them just until pink—about 1–2 minutes per side—then remove from heat immediately.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance for faster cooking.
6. What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding white wine to deglaze the pan before adding the broth—it deepens the flavor.
7. Is spinach necessary?
Not mandatory, but it adds color, nutrients, and balances the creamy sauce.
8. How can I make this spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
9. Can I substitute Parmesan with another cheese?
Yes, Pecorino Romano or Asiago both work well.
10. What can I serve with it?
Garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp & Spinach Pasta is the perfect combination of elegance and ease. With tender shrimp, silky garlic sauce, and fresh spinach folded in, it delivers a restaurant-quality experience without the hassle. Every bite offers rich, creamy comfort balanced by freshness and lightness. Whether you’re cooking for guests or making a cozy dinner for two, this dish will impress every time—simple, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious.
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