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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta With Spinach Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, thawed + tails removed
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• Salt + pepper, to taste
• Approx. 5 ounces pasta, dry (approx. 140 grams)
• 3 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 5 cloves garlic
• 4 cups spinach
• 1/2 a lemon, juice + zest
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Salt + pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parmesan, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
   Start by thawing the shrimp and taking off those pesky tails and shells. Mince the garlic cloves until they're nice and fine, this little touch brings an irresistible aroma. Zest that lemon, capturing the vibrant outer layer, and then chop your fresh basil or parsley. Getting these prepared now makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

2. Step 2: Cook the Pasta
   As you wait for a large pot of water to come to a boil, you can imagine how the pasta will soon twirl around your fork. Once the water is bubbling, add your dry pasta and let it cook according to the package instructions. Drain it well, then pop it back into the pot to keep it warm and ready for its partners-in-dine.

3. Step 3: Season the Shrimp
   Give those shrimp a quick pat with a paper towel to dry them off. Toss them into a bowl, and coat them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This mix gives them a delightful, slightly spicy kick.

4. Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp
   Heat up a large pan over medium-high heat. It's showtime for the shrimp! Cook them in batches, leaving some space between each to sear beautifully. After 1-2 minutes on each side, they should turn opaque and delicious. Move them to a clean bowl and get ready for the next step.

5. Step 5: Sizzle the Garlic
   After all the shrimp are cooked, add another tablespoon of olive oil into the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a lovely golden brown and fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering fragrance.

6. Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
   Add the spinach to your fragrant garlic oil, stirring it around just until it wilts, which should only take about 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach will shrink down considerably, so don’t be alarmed by the initial volume.

7. Step 7: Combine Everything
   With the heat turned off, mix the cooked pasta into the pan with the spinach. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cooked shrimp, and chopped fresh basil. Season with additional salt and pepper to your taste. Give it all a good toss, ensuring every ingredient is well mingled.

8. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
   Scoop the pasta onto plates while it's still nice and hot. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the top if you fancy, it adds a lovely creamy touch. Then, enjoy your culinary creation with a contented smile!

Notes

When crafting this scrumptious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, there are a few pitfalls even the best of us might stumble into.

First, overcooked shrimp can be rubbery—no one wants that! Keep an eye on them, cooking just until they turn pink and opaque. They only need a minute or two on each side.

Another common trip-up is clumping pasta. Be sure to toss the pasta immediately after draining it to prevent sticking. A drizzle of olive oil while cooking does wonders.

Don’t drown the flavors with too much lemon juice. Start small and add more to taste.

And finally, don’t forget to season at every step. Layering flavors is key to a well-balanced dish. Happy cooking!

Keywords: Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta, Spinach Shrimp Pasta, Lemon Shrimp Noodles, Garlic Spinach Pasta with Shrimp, Shrimp Pasta with Lemon and Spinach, Lemon Garlic Pasta with Shrimp, Spinach and Garlic Shrimp Dish.