Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup fresh spinach

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 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 the shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Add Spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.

Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Gently fold in the shrimp.

Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 4 servings