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Creamy Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine

Creamy Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine

Creamy Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine is a flavorful and elegant pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe balances protein and greens for a nourishing, comforting meal that’s family-friendly and customizable.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Fettuccine Pasta (fresh or dried) – 12 oz

Shrimp

  • Shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 lb

Vegetables

  • Fresh Spinach – 4 cups (about 4 oz)
  • Garlic, minced – 3 cloves

Dairy

  • Heavy Cream – 1 cup
  • Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated – 3/4 cup
  • Butter – 2 tablespoons

Oils & Seasonings

  • Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black Pepper – to taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Cook the Fettuccine: Begin by boiling salted water and cooking the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, as it helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency later.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque on both sides, approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate all the browned bits from sautéing the shrimp, adding rich flavor. Let the cream simmer gently and thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then toss in the cooked fettuccine. Mix everything well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening to reach the desired consistency.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; they cook quickly.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help bind the sauce and achieve perfect creaminess.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
  • Wilt spinach gently to maintain its bright color and fresh taste.
  • Adjust sauce thickness with extra cream or pasta water as needed.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Can be gluten-free if using gluten-free pasta

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy spinach fettuccine, seafood pasta, quick dinner, Italian recipe, family-friendly, creamy pasta