If you love restaurant-quality comfort food that’s fast enough for a busy weeknight, this Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta will absolutely win your heart. Tender fettuccine gets tangled up with juicy, perfectly-seasoned shrimp, buttery spinach, and an irresistible Parmesan cream sauce brightened up with a splash of white wine. Each forkful is a dreamy swirl of flavors and textures – with just the right balance of lusciousness, freshness, and a touch of spice. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night or treating yourself to an upgraded dinner at home, this dish makes every meal feel special.

Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is wonderfully straightforward, but every ingredient is essential for that signature taste, silky sauce, and gorgeous color. Here’s what you’ll need – and why each one matters!

Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta (8 ounces): These long, flat noodles soak up the creamy sauce and give the dish its signature twirl.
Large Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, these plump beauties offer juicy, sweet flavor and quick-cooking ease.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds depth of flavor while helping the shrimp brown beautifully.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Gives a rich, silky backbone to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant, savory kick that permeates the whole dish.
Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): The wine adds brightness and elevates the sauce, but broth works great if you prefer not to use alcohol.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): For that truly creamy, luxurious texture – you can use half-and-half for something lighter.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce, adding nuttiness, body, and a little tang.
Fresh Baby Spinach (4 cups): Wilts down to add color, silkiness, and a healthy, earthy freshness.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Wake up your taste buds with the tiniest spark of heat.
Salt and Pepper, to taste: Because every great recipe needs the proper seasoning.
Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of green and a final herby note to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Set a big pot of salted water to boil and toss in those fettuccine or linguine noodles. Cook until just al dente, following the package instructions, then drain the pasta and save about half a cup of that flavorful starchy water. This step is your foundation: perfectly cooked noodles will cling to the sauce, so aim for just-tender with a slight bite.

Step 2: Sauté and Season the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, season your shrimp generously with salt and pepper in a bowl. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sizzle without disturbing for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and just opaque – resist the urge to overcook! Once done, transfer shrimp onto a plate and set aside to keep them juicy and tender for your Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Garlic and Wine

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt butter until it bubbles. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until your kitchen smells irresistible. Now pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any golden bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for a minute or two to mellow out and concentrate the flavor. This creates the aromatic backbone of your sauce!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Turn the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, becoming irresistibly glossy. Season with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want that gentle heat. The goal: a rich, velvety sauce that will cling to every noodle and shrimp.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Combine Everything

Add all the fresh baby spinach into the skillet – it might look like a lot, but it wilts down quickly. Stir the spinach for a minute until it softens and deepens in color. Slide your shrimp back in, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together until well mixed. If the sauce feels too thick, drizzle in a splash of your reserved pasta water until it reaches creamy perfection. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Immediately plate up your Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta while the sauce is at its silkiest. Finish with a shower of finely chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of brightness. Serve straight away for the fullest flavor and bite!

How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta

Garnishes

An extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some hand-torn basil leaves take the finished dish from homey to restaurant-worthy. A drizzle of good olive oil or that squeeze of lemon adds a fresh, zesty dimension that makes the dish pop.

Side Dishes

This rich pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides like crisp garlic bread, a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus. These accompaniments cut through the creaminess and round out the meal without overshadowing the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta piled high in warm bowls or deep plates for ultimate twirl-factor. For a special dinner, top each plate with three or four shrimp and a flourish of parsley. You can also portion it into mini bowls or ramekins as part of a seafood tasting menu for a playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let your Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but the flavors meld together and are still utterly delicious.

Freezing

While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. Place cooled portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note: cream sauces can sometimes separate once frozen, so expect a slight difference in texture after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta in a skillet or microwave-safe dish. Warm gently over low heat, stirring well so the sauce becomes silky again. For best results, avoid high heat and stir often to prevent the shrimp from overcooking or the sauce from splitting. Garnish fresh before serving again!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quick defrost. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking so they sear nicely and don’t water down the sauce.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine in this recipe?

Yes, chicken broth makes a perfect swap for white wine. It still adds depth and helps deglaze the pan, maintaining the savory balance in your Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! While spinach is classic, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even steamed broccoli for extra color, texture, and nutrition. Just add them after wilting the spinach for best results.

How can I make this lighter?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of Parmesan slightly. The sauce will still be creamy, just a bit less rich, so it’s perfect for a weeknight treat.

What type Main Course

Fettuccine and linguine are traditional since their sturdy shape holds up to the creamy sauce, but you can absolutely use spaghetti, tagliatelle, or your favorite gluten-free pasta instead!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fast, elegant dinner that feels like a treat, Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta is about to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch everyone swoon over each creamy, colorful forkful!

Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this flavorful Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta. Succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and fresh spinach come together in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta

Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional:

4 cups fresh baby spinach
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Cook the Shrimp: Season and sauté shrimp until pink, then set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, deglaze with wine or broth, add cream and cheese, then wilt spinach.
Combine: Toss shrimp, pasta, and sauce together, adjusting consistency with pasta water.
Season and Serve: Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve.