Description
This Shrimp and Spinach Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish made with juicy shrimp, tender spinach, and a homemade Alfredo sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy date nights, this recipe combines elegance with everyday ease.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth and thickened.
- Add Spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust consistency with a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Combine Everything: Add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Return shrimp to the pan and stir until heated through. Add lemon juice for brightness if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta, top with shrimp, sprinkle with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, non-gritty sauce. To lighten the recipe, swap half the cream for half-and-half or milk. For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4th of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 220mg