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Healthy Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta - Light, Flavorful, and Ready Fast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti or linguine (or any long pasta you prefer)
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
  • 2 cups baby spinach (or chopped kale)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the honey or lemon to balance sweetness and brightness.
  3. Pat the shrimp dry: Use paper towels to remove moisture so they sear well. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate. Do not overcook.
  5. Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits.
  6. Build the sauce in the pan: Pour in the honey-garlic mixture. Let it bubble for 1 minute to slightly thicken.
  7. Add pasta and greens: Toss the cooked pasta and spinach into the skillet, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and help the sauce cling. Stir until the spinach wilts.
  8. Finish with shrimp: Return shrimp and any juices to the skillet. Toss gently for 30–60 seconds to warm through and coat with sauce.
  9. Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon. Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.