Shrimp and Spinach Lemon Penne
This Shrimp and Spinach Lemon Penne is bright, fresh, and quick! Succulent shrimp, vibrant spinach, and zesty lemon tossed with al dente penne in a luscious olive oil garlic sauce.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Microplane or grater
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs or pasta fork
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- salt and black pepper to taste
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Penne
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Garlic and Spinach Magic
- Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, stirring everything to combine. Toss in the drained penne pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help everything coat evenly.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for that irresistible savory finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor intensity in the sauce.