Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, adorned with succulent shrimp, tender leeks, and vibrant spinach - a dish that looks like it came straight from a high-end Italian restaurant, but can be prepared in your own kitchen in less than 30 minutes! This mouthwatering recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a delicious and nutritious dinner, this Shrimp, Leek, and Spinach Pasta is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 leek, sliced
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Slice the leek thinly, making sure to rinse it well to remove any grit. Mince the garlic and set aside. Rinse the spinach leaves and roughly chop them if they are large.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the leeks and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are pink and opaque.
- When the shrimp are almost done, add the spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the shrimp, leeks, and spinach.
- Gently toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the shrimp, leek, and spinach pasta warm, garnished with freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Shrimp Perfection: Don't overcook your shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes just 3-4 minutes. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- Leek Cleaning Hack: Slice the leek first, then rinse thoroughly in a colander. Leeks often hide grit between their layers, so careful washing is crucial.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Garlic Timing: Add garlic late in the cooking process to prevent burning and maintain its sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Season Gradually: Taste and season your dish in layers. Add a little salt and pepper at each cooking stage for a more complex flavor profile.
- Quick Weeknight Variation: Use frozen pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on preparation time even further.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
