Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach and Corn
Ingredients
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the pasta: Boil linguine in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in spinach and corn, cooking until spinach wilts.
Combine: Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, Parmesan, and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add shrimp back in and mix well.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve warm!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, ensure your shrimp are patted dry before seasoning; this ensures a good sear. When cooking the pasta, salt the water generously. As the pasta cooks, start the shrimp. Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding, which steams shrimp instead of sautéing them. After removing the shrimp, add the butter and garlic, taking care not to burn the garlic. Add the spinach and corn, stirring until the spinach is just wilted. The key step is adding the reserved starchy pasta water—it helps the sauce emulsify and cling to the pasta. Toss everything together off the heat before adding the final lemon juice and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile pasta pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the garlic and seafood flavors perfectly. For presentation, serve family-style in a large, warm bowl or plate individually, ensuring each portion has plenty of shrimp, vegetables, and sauce.
How-to Summary
In summary, cook pasta and reserve water. Sauté seasoned shrimp and set aside. In the same pan, make a garlic butter sauce, wilt spinach, and warm corn. Combine everything with pasta water, Parmesan, and lemon juice, tossing to create a creamy sauce. Finish by adding the shrimp back and garnishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, fully thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? This recipe doesn’t need cream! The starchy pasta water and Parmesan create a luxuriously creamy texture naturally.
How can I make this spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic.
Can I use a different green? Absolutely. Baby kale or arugula are excellent substitutes for spinach. Add arugula at the very end for a peppery kick.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender.
- Skipping the pasta water: The starchy water is essential for creating a cohesive, silky sauce that coats the pasta.
- Burning the garlic: Cook minced garlic only for about 1 minute until fragrant. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
- Adding cheese over high heat: Add Parmesan off the heat or on very low heat to prevent it from clumping or becoming greasy.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect balance of elegant and easy, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. The combination of succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, garlicky sauce guarantees a satisfying meal that will become a regular in your dinner rotation. Its simplicity allows for endless customization, making it a reliable and delicious foundation for any home cook.