Shrimp, Pasta & Spinach
It’s Friday evening at Kamp Karen (our home in Western Louisa County) and almost time to cook dinner. What to do for dinner after a long day of work? I don’t want a frozen pizza or something that will take a lot of time. After checking the freezer, we decide on NC Shrimp, Pasta and Spinach.
We drop a pound of frozen shrimp (We stock up on shrimp when visiting family in Manteo, NC visiting family.) into water to thaw while changing out of work cloths, going through the mail etc. Then while Karen shells the shrimp, I start cooking.
- 1 Pound Frozen NC Shrimp
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Italian or Creek Herbs to Taste
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Garlic
- 1 9 Ounce Package Frozen Spinach
- 1/4 Cup Water or White Wine
- Pasta (Today We Used Spaghetti Broken Into 2″ Sections)
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- Old Bay to Taste
- Cheese ( Parmesan or Feta ) to Taste
Into a large frying pan, I add olive oil, garlic and herbs heating to brown garlic over medium.
While the garlic browns, place spinach in microwave and cook per package directions then add spinach and water/wine to frying pan.
Place the cleaned shrimp in a glass bowl then add lemon juice and Old Bay tossing to coat shrimp.
When the spinach reaches medium temperature add your pasta of choice (I’ve used macaroni, ziti, ravioli and others in the past.).
When the pasta almost reaches the level of doneness you like, add the shrimp and lemon juice mixture. Tossing occasionally until shrimp is cooked.
Just before serving add cheese and toss again to mix well.
Note: I cover and the frying pan as the pasta cooks and absorbs the liquid. Monitor closely since you may need to add a wee bit more liquid as the pasta cooks.
Yields three servings (we save one serving to someones lunch on Saturday!). If you add a salad and bread or use as a side to go with a steak, you can easily enjoy four servings.
Our Family Enjoying Lunch at O’Neil’s Sea Harvest
If you’re on the Outer Banks or Manteo, North Carolina and want fresh seafood, head to O’Neil’s Sea Harvest (seafood market & lunchtime restaurant) in Wanchese. The seafood comes off the boats, through the backdoor and straight to you. You will not find better friend oysters or soft shelled crab BLT when in season. We stock up on shrimp, crab and tuna to bring home. Support our American Fisherman by taking a short drive to O’Neil’s when at the beach. You’ll be glad you did!!!