Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

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Are you looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? This shrimp and spinach pasta might be just what you need! You can make this yummy meal in just one pan in about 45 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling but don’t have a lot of time to cook.

The dish combines juicy shrimp, flavorful tomatoes, and hearty spinach with your choice of pasta. You can use spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you like. The creamy sauce brings it all together, making for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty shrimp and spinach pasta:

For the shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (skip if you don’t like spicy)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the pasta:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 12 ounces pasta (pick your favorite shape)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, but yummy)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pretty garnish)

With these ingredients, you’ll create a delicious meal for four people. The prep takes about 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 25 minutes. Each serving has about 739 calories.

Instructions

1. 
   

   Pat the shrimp dry and season them with paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.

   
   
2. 
   

   Heat butter and olive oil in a big skillet. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Set them aside.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add more oil to the skillet. Cook the shallot, garlic, and tomato paste for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour in the broth, tomatoes, and seasoning. Add the pasta and mix well. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir now and then.

   
   
5. 
   

   If you want, add cream and some Parmesan. Taste and add more spices if needed.

   
   
6. 
   

   Put the shrimp back in and cook for 2-3 minutes more.

   
   
7. 
   

   Take the skillet off the heat. Add spinach and stir until it wilts.

   
   
8. 
   

   Serve your pasta hot. Top with extra Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy your meal!

   
   

Remember to use a big skillet so everything fits. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. You want it tender but not mushy. The dish is ready when the shrimp are warm and the spinach is soft.

Possible Substitutes List

Looking to switch things up? Here are some tasty swaps you can try in your shrimp and spinach pasta:

Protein:

• Chicken breast (cubed)
• Scallops
• Tofu (firm, cubed)

Greens:

• Kale (chopped)
• Arugula
• Swiss chard

Pasta:

• Whole wheat pasta
• Gluten-free pasta
• Zucchini noodles

You can also play with the flavors:

• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth
• Try sun-dried tomatoes instead of canned
• Use coconut milk in place of heavy cream

For a different cheese, consider:

• Pecorino Romano
• Asiago
• Goat cheese

Don’t be afraid to get creative! These swaps can help you tailor the dish to your taste or dietary needs.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this shrimp and spinach pasta more diabetes-friendly, try these easy swaps:

1. 
   

   Use whole grain pasta instead of regular pasta. This adds fiber and helps slow down sugar absorption.

   
   
2. 
   

   Cut the pasta amount to 8 ounces and add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.

   
   
3. 
   

   Skip the heavy cream or use a low-fat milk alternative.

   
   
4. 
   

   Reduce the Parmesan cheese to 1/4 cup total.

   
   
5. 
   

   Add more spinach – up to 6 cups for extra nutrients and fiber.

   
   

These changes will lower the carb count and calorie content. You can also control portion sizes by using a smaller plate. Aim for a 1-cup serving of the pasta dish.

For extra protein, you could add some white beans or chickpeas. This helps balance out the meal and keeps you full longer.

Remember to pair this meal with a side salad for added nutrients. Drink water or unsweetened tea with your meal to avoid extra sugar.

By making these tweaks, you can enjoy a tasty shrimp and spinach pasta that’s better for managing blood sugar levels.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Save some pasta water before draining. You can use it to thin out the sauce if needed. It’s full of starch and helps the sauce stick to the pasta better.

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when cooking the shallots and garlic. It will give your dish a nice depth of taste.

Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

You can swap spinach for other greens like kale or arugula. Just remember that kale might need a bit more cooking time to soften.

Storing leftovers is easy. Put them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

For a quicker prep, buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp. It saves time and makes the cooking process smoother.

Try these pasta options:

• Linguine
• Farfalle
• Rigatoni

They all work great with this sauce!