Shrimp and Spinach Creamy Rigatoni

If you’re craving a dish that combines tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni, then this Shrimp and Spinach Creamy Rigatoni recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together swiftly, making it ideal for busy evenings or whenever you want to impress without hours in the kitchen. The flavors meld beautifully—garlicky shrimp, vibrant spinach, and a hint of lemon brighten up the rich creaminess, creating a balanced, satisfying pasta experience everyone will love.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich, Creamy Sauce: The heavy cream and Parmesan create a silky sauce that clings to every rigatoni tube.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes add brightness and just the right amount of spice.
• Protein and Veggies Combined: Shrimp and spinach come together for a balanced meal.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your pantry or preferences.

What You’ll Need

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Appliances & Accessories

• Large pot – for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan – for cooking shrimp and sauce
• Colander – to drain pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts

The Method for Shrimp and Spinach Creamy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Spinach, Shrimp, and Pasta

Add the fresh spinach leaves to the creamy sauce, stirring until they wilt down. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Rigatoni

Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss gently to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Remove from heat.

Swap Guide

• Pasta: Use penne, fusilli, or farfalle instead of rigatoni for a different shape.
• Shrimp: Substitute with scallops or chunks of firm white fish if preferred.
• Spinach: Swap for kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.
• Heavy Cream: Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
• Parmesan Cheese: Try nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.

Insider Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
• Reserve some pasta water—it helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta better.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible for the best flavor and creaminess.
• Add the lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish without overpowering the creamy sauce.
• For an extra layer of flavor, try incorporating a splash of white wine into the sauce before adding the cream.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This Shrimp and Spinach Creamy Rigatoni is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the shrimp tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan, which can prevent proper browning.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Fresh chopped chili peppers can also be sautéed with the garlic for more heat.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. Combine and reheat just before serving to keep the pasta texture perfect and shrimp tender.

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Classic Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic – a bright and garlicky seafood pasta that’s equally quick to make.
• Shrimp Scampi With Pasta Recipe – another shrimp pasta favorite that’s light and flavorful.
• Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts – if you want to switch up protein while keeping that fresh spinach flavor.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve your Shrimp and Spinach Creamy Rigatoni hot, garnished with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a wedge of lemon on the side for a zesty finish. Pair it with a simple green salad or warm crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and fresh, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for dinner any night of the week.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flair straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss. Dive into the creamy, garlicky goodness and enjoy every bite of this delicious Shrimp and Spinach Creamy Rigatoni.

Share on Pinterest