Spinach and Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients

• Pasta (linguine or spaghetti) (8 ounces)
• Shrimp (peeled and deveined) (1 pound)
• Fresh spinach (4 cups)
• Garlic (minced) (4 cloves)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
• White wine (1/2 cup)
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
• Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Parmesan cheese (grated) (1/2 cup, for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the spinach.
7. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
11. Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.