Spinach, Shrimp & Feta With Fusilli

From Fine Cooking.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20)
• 1  large lemon, halved
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 8  ounces  dried  fusilli or 8  ounces gemelli pasta or 8  ounces  other twist pasta
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil, more for drizzling
• 1  large fresh thyme sprig
• 1⁄4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
• 2⁄3 cup  clam juice
• 2  bunches spinach, stemmed, washed, and roughly chopped (about 10 oz. after stemming)
• 3⁄4 cup  crumbled feta cheese
• 1⁄2 cup  coarse  toasted breadcrumb
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh tarragon
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2  tablespoons  snipped fresh chives

Directions

1. Put the cleaned shrimp in a small, nonreactive bowl.
2. Squeeze the juice from one of the lemon halves onto the shrimp. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and let marinate for 20 minute.
3. Put a large pot of water on to boil; when it's at a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook according to package directions.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
5. Add the thyme sprig and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute to flavor the oil.
6. Add the shrimp and minced garlic, stirring briskly and cooking just until the shrimp turn color, about 30 seconds. With a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a plate and reserve.
7. Raise the heat to high; add the white wine and clam juice. Boil until the liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup, 2 to 4 minute Remove the thyme sprig, stir in the spinach, and cover the skillet.
8. Simmer until the spinach is just wilted, about 1 min., stirring once or twice.
9. Add the boiled, drained pasta and the reserved shrimp to the skillet; stir to combine and let simmer over very low heat for 1 to 2 minute to finish the shrimp and let the flavors meld.
10. Remove the pan from the heat and toss in the crumbled feta. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon half over the pasta; season with salt and pepper.
11. Mix the breadcrumbs with the tarragon, parsley, and chives, sprinkle the mixture over the pasta without tossing, and serve.