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When it comes to quick yet delicious weeknight meals, few dishes can compete with Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp & Spinach Penne. This delightful recipe brings together the succulent flavors of shrimp, the freshness of spinach, and the bright zing of lemon, all enveloped in a rich, buttery sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish is a wonderful way to showcase the beauty of fresh ingredients while creating a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Lemon Butter Shrimp and Spinach Penne

Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal? Try Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp & Spinach Penne, a wonderful blend of succulent shrimp, vibrant spinach, and a rich lemon-infused butter sauce. This easy-to-make dish showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients and is perfect for family dinners or elegant gatherings. In under 30 minutes, you'll have a satisfying meal that packs a flavorful punch, making even the busiest nights feel special. Enjoy every bite!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/4 cup unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

      Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and lemon zest, cooking for approximately 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant and the garlic is softened. Ensure the garlic doesn’t burn to maintain its delicate flavor.

        Incorporate the Spinach: Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet, tossing gently. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts down and becomes tender.

          Combine Ingredients: Return the sautéed shrimp back to the skillet with the spinach. Squeeze the juice of the two lemons over the mixture, stirring well to combine all flavors. Add the cooked penne to the skillet, followed by the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the delicious sauce; if the mixture appears dry, feel free to add a bit more reserved pasta water.

            Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly until melted and well incorporated. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

              Serve: To serve, plate the Lemon Butter Shrimp and Spinach Penne, garnishing each dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in shallow bowls for an elegant look, and consider adding a lemon wedge on the side for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy!