Ever have one of those evenings where you’re craving something restaurant-quality but only have twenty minutes and a nearly empty fridge? That’s exactly how this garlic shrimp scampi with spinach came to be in my regular rotation. I was trying to whip up something impressive for unexpected guests using whatever I had on hand, and the result became an instant classic in our household.
What makes this dish so wonderful is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels luxurious. The garlic butter sauce clings to every strand of pasta while the spinach wilts into silky perfection. You get that beautiful balance of rich, savory flavors with a touch of freshness from the lemon. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen, when really, you’ve barely broken a sweat. If you’re looking for another quick pasta dish, try our savory chicken ramen recipe for a different take on fast comfort food.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Italian-American
Category: Main Course
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
What You’ll Need
When I’m shopping for this recipe, I’ve learned that quality really matters for a few key ingredients. For the shrimp, I look for wild-caught varieties—they tend to have better texture and flavor. Fresh spinach makes a noticeable difference too, though frozen works in a pinch if you thaw and squeeze out excess moisture. One thing I always check: my garlic should feel firm with no green sprouts, which can add bitterness to your sauce.
You’ll want a good skillet or sauté pan with decent depth to accommodate all those ingredients. A pair of trustworthy tongs makes tossing everything together much easier. For beginners, having everything measured and ready before you start cooking (what chefs call mise en place) makes the process feel much more manageable.
INGREDIENTS
I remember once trying to make this while multitasking and accidentally adding cinnamon instead of paprika—we still laugh about that kitchen disaster! Now I line everything up in little bowls before I even turn on the stove. There’s something therapeutic about the prep process, watching the vibrant green spinach leaves mingle with the pink shrimp and pale garlic cloves.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Spinach – Fast Weeknight Meal Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Spinach – Fast Weeknight Meal Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
PREPARATION
If you’re new to cooking seafood, here’s some encouragement: shrimp tells you exactly when it’s done. You’ll notice it transforms from translucent to opaque pink and forms a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes it rubbery, so keep a close eye during those final minutes. What works for me is having my pasta water boiling before I even start the shrimp, so everything finishes at the same time. For another easy meal prep option that’s perfect for busy mornings, check out our creamy chia seed pudding recipe that kids love.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly curled. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in broth and wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Stir in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and half the parsley.
- Return shrimp to skillet along with cooked pasta and Parmesan. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Garnish with remaining parsley and serve immediately.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 425
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Customizing Your Scampi
Around here, we often tweak this recipe based on what’s in season or who’s coming for dinner. For extra vegetables, sliced mushrooms or cherry tomatoes work beautifully—just sauté them after the garlic. If you prefer creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. My neighbor adds capers for briny pops of flavor, while my sister tops hers with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it becomes once you’re comfortable with the basic method.
Perfect Pairings
What to serve alongside your garlic shrimp scampi? A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors without overwhelming them. Crusty bread is essential for sopping up every last drop of that glorious sauce – you’ll love our cheesy Texas toast with garlic butter as the perfect accompaniment. For drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon slices both work wonderfully. If you’re making this for company, these thoughtful touches elevate the meal from quick dinner to special occasion.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Pat them thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.
What if I don’t have white wine?
Simply increase the broth by the same amount and add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice. The dish will still be delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Conclusion
This garlic shrimp scampi with spinach has saved countless weeknights in my home, and I hope it becomes just as beloved in yours. The combination of quick preparation and impressive results makes it perfect for both busy evenings and casual entertaining. Once you master the basic technique, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
