Shrimp Pasta with Garlic and Spinach

Ingredients

• Shrimp 6 oz
• Whole wheat pasta 2 cups cooked
• Spinach 1 cup
• Olive oil 1 tbsp
• Garlic 2 cloves

Method

1. Prepare ingredients. Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if not already done. Rinse the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
   Tip: Dry spinach well to avoid excess water in the dish.
2. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
   Tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
3. Sauté garlic and shrimp. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
   Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp as they become tough and rubbery.
4. Add spinach. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
   Tip: Cook spinach just until wilted to keep its bright color and nutrients.
5. Combine pasta and finish. Add the cooked whole wheat pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
   Tip: Use pasta water to achieve a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
6. Serve. Divide the shrimp pasta between plates and serve immediately. Optionally, you can garnish with freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
   Tip: Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.

Pro tips

• To make peeling shrimp easier, rinse them under cold water and pat dry before starting.
• Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.