Did you ever see a recipe in a magazine or online that you knew you had to make immediately? It happens to me quite frequently. I actually have a Bookmark Folder dedicated to recipes that I see on all of the fantastic food blogs out there that I need to try.
Last week when I was at my parents house, my Mom had Real Simple Magazine sitting on her counter so I decided to flip through it. As I read through the issue, I came across the recipe for Shrimp, Leek, & Spinach Pasta. The delicious looking photo of this dish initially drew me in…and then after reading the recipe, I knew I had to make it. A few nights later, I made this for dinner for Christina and Todd. All three of us loved it. Not only is it delicious, but it is very simple to prepare. Do yourself a favor and schedule this pasta dish into your dinner plans this week. You’ll be very happy you did. I’m already excited to make this dish again.
Shrimp, Leek, & Spinach Pasta
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 12 ounces gemelli, fusilli, or some other short pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 leeks (white and light green parts only), cut into half-moons
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
- finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 10 ounces baby spinach (about 12 cups) (I used half of this amount)
- *crushed red pepper flakes (I added this to the recipe)
Directions
1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain and return it to the pot.
2. Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks have softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and lemon zest and cook, tossing frequently, until the shrimp is opaque throughout, 4 to 5 minutes more. (*Add optional crushed red pepper flakes)
3. Add the cream and ½ teaspoon salt to the pasta in the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring, until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the shrimp mixture and the spinach and toss to combine.
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Oooo yum. This looks delish. I have ot stop reading your blog because it makes me sooo hungry and jealous of all the great food. lol