Creamy Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine
Creamy Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine is a quick and comforting dinner featuring tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and vibrant dish offers a perfect balance of protein, greens, and indulgence for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Shrimp and Protein
- 12 oz fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
Vegetables and Greens
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
Dairy and Fats
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water for later use in the sauce.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate once done and keep warm.
- Cook the Garlic and Spinach: Reduce heat to medium and add a bit more butter or oil to the skillet. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 30 seconds. Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, stirring frequently.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic and spinach. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to let the sauce thicken, stirring occasionally. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and silky.
- Combine Shrimp, Pasta, and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Don’t overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use fresh baby spinach for better texture and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce without losing creaminess.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for smoother melting and enhanced taste.
- Simmer cream sauce gently to avoid curdling and ensure richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy spinach shrimp, fettuccine recipe, quick dinner, seafood pasta, easy weeknight meal