Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp And Spinach

Name: Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp And Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz angel hair pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups fresh spinach; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Classic Recipes

I absolutely love making Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Spinach for a light and flavorful meal. The delicate strands of pasta pair wonderfully with succulent shrimp and vibrant spinach, creating a dish that's both satisfying and nutritious. I enjoy this recipe because it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for dinner guests. In just about 30 minutes, I can whip up a delightful dinner that impresses everyone at the table.

Created by

Aileen Prescott

Last updated on 2026-02-27T17:41:34.593Z

When I first tried this Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Spinach, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create a dish bursting with flavor. I often use fresh spinach, but frozen works in a pinch—just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. The fresh lemon juice at the end gives it a bright finish that really elevates the entire meal.

One thing that made a significant difference in my recipe was cooking the shrimp just until they turned pink. Overcooking them can lead to a rubbery texture, which we want to avoid. Pairing this with a light garlic and olive oil sauce truly brings the dish together, creating a comforting yet healthy meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Light and flavorful combination of fresh ingredients
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Garlic and lemon sauce elevates the dish beautifully

Perfecting the Shrimp

To achieve perfectly cooked shrimp, pay close attention to the timing. You want the shrimp to be cooked just until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes in a medium-hot skillet. If overcooked, shrimp can become rubbery and tough, so keep a close eye on them. A good visual cue is that they should curl slightly as they cook. I recommend using a slightly larger skillet to avoid overcrowding; this ensures even cooking and a nicely sautéed result.

Adding a splash of lemon juice to the shrimp while cooking not only infuses flavor but also helps in balancing the richness of the olive oil. If you're feeling adventurous, consider marinating the shrimp in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. This can intensify the flavor profile, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Pasta

Angel hair pasta, known for its delicate texture, cooks very quickly, usually in about 2-4 minutes. To prevent it from becoming mushy, keep the pot at a gentle boil and check for doneness a minute or two before the package suggests. Also, be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid can help to bind the dish later and add creaminess without additional calories. If you can't find angel hair, thin spaghetti can be a suitable substitute.

The pasta’s slight chewiness beautifully complements the tender shrimp and wilted spinach. If you're looking to increase the fiber content, consider using whole wheat angel hair. This will slightly alter the flavor and texture but still works wonderfully in this dish, allowing you to enjoy its lightness while adding nutritional benefits.

Serving and Storing

This dish is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to eat, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to maintain moisture. Be cautious not to overheat, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated too much.

Presentation can elevate this simple dish. Serve it family-style in a large bowl, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil, or plated individually with lemon wedges on the side. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice touch. You can even incorporate cherry tomatoes or asparagus for a pop of color and additional nutrients, creating a more vibrant and inviting meal.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp And Spinach

8 oz angel hair pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups fresh spinach
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 2-4 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

Sauté Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Add Spinach

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon juice and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this dish more hearty, consider adding peas, zucchini, or bell pepper to the sauté. These vegetables will cook quickly and contribute both color and flavor. Additionally, if you aren’t a fan of shrimp or want to make this dish vegetarian, sautéed mushrooms or tofu can serve as a satisfying alternative, soaking up the garlic and lemon flavors beautifully.

For those who are sensitive to garlic, you could replace it with shallots or leeks, which offer a milder taste spectrum. This can bring a different yet delightful flavor dimension to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

Making Ahead

While this dish is ideally made fresh, if planning for a busy week, you can prepare the shrimp and spinach ahead of time. Sauté them as per the recipe instructions but leave out the pasta until you’re ready to eat. This way, you can quickly cook the pasta, mix everything together, and enjoy a freshly tossed meal in under 10 minutes.

If preparing ahead, store cooked shrimp and spinach in separate airtight containers to maintain their textures. When you’re ready to eat, simply warm them in a skillet, add the cooked pasta, and finish with the lemon juice for that fresh burst of flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and before adding the shrimp. Allow it to reduce slightly for about a minute before proceeding with the recipe. This adds an extra layer of depth, enriching the overall taste profile of the dish.

Finishing the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, can provide a refreshing touch that complements the lemon and garlic. These herbs not only add a burst of color but also enhance the freshness of the meal, making each bite more vibrant.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for spinach?

You can use other leafy greens like kale or arugula if you prefer.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and cook just before serving.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

A light salad or garlic bread would pair perfectly with this dish!