Can I frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be a convenient and effective option for this recipe. To ensure the best results, it's important to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run them under cold water, or leave them in the fridge overnight in an airtight container. Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help you achieve that desirable sear when cooking the shrimp over medium-high heat. Remember to remove the shrimp from the heat after 1-2 minutes per side or as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid overcooking.

Can I substitute the spinach with another leafy green?

Absolutely, this pasta dish is quite versatile when it comes to greens. If you're not a fan of spinach or simply want to try something different, options such as kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can make great substitutes. These leafy greens can be prepared similarly to spinach; simply sauté them in a tablespoon of olive oil with a dash of salt until they are wilted. Do note that tougher greens like kale may take a bit longer to cook, roughly 2-3 minutes, to reach the desired tenderness. These substitutions can introduce a new dimension of flavor and texture to your pasta dish.

How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Leftover shrimp and pasta with spinach can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maximize freshness, place the leftovers in an airtight container as soon as they've cooled to avoid any bacteria growth. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. The additional liquid helps revive the creamy sauce, ensuring your pasta dish remains moist and delicious. It's best not to keep the leftovers for longer than recommended as the quality can deteriorate and the risk of foodborne illness can increase.

Shrimp and Pasta with Spinach: Tips for Achieving the Ideal Dish

Description

Craving a quick and delicious meal? This shrimp and pasta with spinach is a flavourful one-pan wonder! Packed with protein and vitamins, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

250g fresh shrimps, heads removed, shelled and deveined

200g fresh spinach, but up (or fresh baby spinach)

500g pasta of your choice (I used linguine in this recipe)

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

1 tsp Italian seasoning

3–4 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, sliced

1 medium white onion, diced roughly

Dash of pepper flakes (optional)

Parmesan cheese for topping

Minced fresh parsley for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and your chosen pasta type to the boiling water and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve about one cup of the pasta water for later use in the sauce, and then drain the pasta.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with salt, black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer, and cook them for 1-2 minutes on one side, until they turn pink on the edges. Flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are opaque and fully cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of olive oil if the pan is dry. Toss in garlic and onions and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—not browned.
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant green. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, if using.
If the garlic and spinach seem dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help deglaze the pan and create a bit more sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the spinach. Toss everything gently to combine.
Add black olives and cherry tomatoes over the combined ingredients to brighten the dish and add a layer of zesty flavor.
Serve the shrimp and pasta with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and an optional garnish of fresh parsley or sweet basil.