If you are craving a comforting yet elegant dish that effortlessly combines creamy, garlicky sauce with fresh greens and succulent seafood, this Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach Recipe is the answer. It takes the beloved classic Alfredo and elevates it by adding tender shrimp and vibrant baby spinach, adding bursts of flavor and color that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers richness and freshness in perfect harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together simply but thoughtfully, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal. From the al dente spaghetti which forms the hearty base, to the luscious cream and cheese that make the sauce luxuriously smooth, and of course the shrimp and spinach that bring lightness and freshness—every item is essential.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Choose your favorite brand; it should be cooked al dente for the best texture.
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp give a sweet and briny flavor that pairs wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to perfectly sear the shrimp without overpowering them.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic punch that infuses the sauce with depth.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: The rich base for the creamy Alfredo sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor and creamy texture when melted.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds silkiness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic beautifully.
- 3 cups baby spinach: Brings bright color and a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick if you like a little heat in your dish.
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this seasons the pasta from within as it cooks. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, saving one cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later. Setting the pasta aside keeps it ready to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil just enough to shimmer. Add the shrimp and cook for about two minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook here; shrimp cook quickly and will remain juicy and tender. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside, so they don’t get rubbery while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This brief cooking ensures the garlic flavor is bright and not burnt, building a rich foundation for your Alfredo sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to allow the sauce to gently simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes so it slightly thickens. Then stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth, velvety, and irresistibly creamy with a beautiful shine.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook just until they wilt. This quick step keeps the spinach vibrant and tender, adding a fresh, green pop that lightens the richness of the sauce and gives the dish a lovely visual appeal.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Pasta
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently. Add the cooked spaghetti and combine carefully to coat every strand with the luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water—it will loosen the sauce while helping it cling to the pasta beautifully.
Step 7: Season and Finish
Season the whole dish with salt, black pepper, and if you enjoy a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a final toss and serve immediately with extra parmesan on the side for sprinkling. This step ensures every bite is perfectly balanced with savory and subtle spice notes.
How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil makes a wonderful fresh garnish that brightens the dish even more. For extra cheesiness, a light dusting of parmesan right before serving adds flavor and a tempting aroma that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads featuring lemon vinaigrette or with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add texture and complementary flavors to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the shrimp and spinach visually. For a special touch, garnish with a lemon wedge for a fresh squeeze of citrus that awakens the creamy sauce. Alternatively, plating it in individual portions garnished with microgreens can elevate your dinner presentation to restaurant quality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The spinach may darken slightly, but the flavors will remain delicious and can be revived nicely when reheated.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not highly recommended because the cream sauce can separate when frozen and thawed, affecting the texture. However, if you must freeze, place portions in a tightly sealed container and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp Alfredo gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave reheating is possible but works best when checked and stirred frequently to avoid overcooking the shrimp and curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, feel free to swap in fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. The creamy sauce beautifully coats any pasta shape you prefer.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Simply choose your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your parmesan cheese and other ingredients don’t contain any gluten additives. The recipe works just as well without traditional wheat pasta.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Definitely. Chicken breast, scallops, or even sautéed mushrooms make excellent alternatives if shrimp isn’t your favorite or you’re looking for variety.
How can I make the sauce lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or add a bit of cream cheese for creaminess without as much richness. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach on hand?
Baby spinach works best because it wilts quickly and has a delicate flavor, but you can use regular spinach leaves. Just chop them finely and cook a little longer so they soften fully before adding the shrimp and pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach Recipe is one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet fresh, simple yet special—a true comfort food classic with a healthy twist. I can’t recommend it enough for those evenings when you want something impressive without fuss. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner or entertaining showstopper!
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Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and delicious Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach recipe featuring tender shrimp, fresh baby spinach, and a rich parmesan cream sauce tossed with spaghetti. This classic Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a comforting dinner that’s both quick and flavorful.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups baby spinach
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to slightly thicken. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Spinach: Stir the baby spinach into the sauce and cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve the Shrimp Alfredo hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- You can substitute baby kale or arugula for the spinach if preferred.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat according to your taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
