Looking for a creamy, flavorful dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent? Look no further than this Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine recipe! This delicious pasta combines the richness of shrimp, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce to create a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy both your cravings and your nutritional needs. The combination of fettuccine, shrimp, and spinach offers a balanced taste with a touch of elegance—perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine
This Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine will quickly become your go-to pasta recipe, and here’s why. The dish features the classic pairing of shrimp and spinach, offering a satisfying mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs in every bite. The creamy garlic sauce beautifully envelops the fettuccine and shrimp, creating a dish that’s comforting but not too heavy. Plus, it’s quick to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
What’s more, this dish can be customized to fit various dietary needs. You can substitute the fettuccine for gluten-free pasta or add more veggies to boost the nutritional profile. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a loved one, or a group of friends, this recipe is versatile and sure to impress. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients List for Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
Recipe Tips
- Cook shrimp just right – Avoid overcooking the shrimp. They should be pink and opaque in the center, which usually takes around 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery.
- Use fresh spinach – Fresh spinach has a delicate flavor and a tender texture, which works perfectly in this dish. If you use frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in the sauce.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic – Garlic adds a fantastic flavor base to this dish. Feel free to increase the amount if you love garlic as much as we do!
- Make it creamy without the guilt – If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a different flavor and texture.
- Toss with pasta water – When combining the pasta with the sauce, reserve a cup of pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta better, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
Make-Ahead Tips for Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine
If you’re looking to save time, this Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine recipe can easily be made ahead. Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta and setting it aside. You can also prepare the shrimp in advance—just sauté the shrimp, cool them, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet, then prepare the creamy sauce and combine everything.
For the spinach, you can sauté it in advance as well. However, for the freshest taste and texture, it’s best to add it just before serving. If you need to store leftovers, keep the pasta, sauce, and shrimp in separate containers to prevent the sauce from soaking into the pasta and making it too soft.
Making this dish ahead of time means you can enjoy a delicious, gourmet meal without the fuss. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or getting a head start for a busy night, it’s a time-saver that still delivers amazing flavor!
Detailed Tips for Making a Better Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine
1. Use Quality Shrimp
The quality of shrimp can make or break this dish. Opt for large, wild-caught shrimp if possible. They’re often more flavorful and have a firmer texture than farm-raised shrimp. Make sure to peel and devein the shrimp before cooking for an easier eating experience. Fresh shrimp is always better, but frozen shrimp can work well too—just be sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.
2. Perfecting the Cream Sauce
To ensure your cream sauce is rich and smooth, don’t let it boil too long. After adding the heavy cream, let it simmer over medium-low heat until it thickens slightly, then add the Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a velvety texture. For extra flavor, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce, which complements the creamy richness.
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cooking the pasta just right is essential for the perfect texture in your Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine. Follow the package instructions for the fettuccine, and taste it a minute before the suggested time to ensure it’s al dente. Undercooking the pasta just slightly will allow it to absorb more of the creamy sauce when combined.
Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, then toss in the cooked fettuccine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth sauce.
- Stir in lemon juice (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!