If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances juicy shrimp, vibrant spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes all tossed with pasta in a luscious, garlicky sauce, then you’re going to love this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe. This dish is an absolute celebration of fresh ingredients coming together in a way that’s both comforting and sophisticated, making it a standout meal whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests over the weekend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet vital for building the flavors and textures that make this pasta dish shine. Each component, from the tender shrimp to the tossed spinach and fragrant garlic, plays an essential role in creating a delightful harmony on your plate.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and adds a succulent, briny sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing shrimp and garlic, providing a rich, fruity base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a warm, aromatic punch that elevates the entire sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne): Your choice of noodle that carries the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing vegetables, ensuring they’re tender without losing their color.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with sweetness and giving a gorgeous pop of color.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild, earthy green flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings herbal depth and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick of heat to keep things interesting.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty, salty finish that ties the whole dish together.
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional): A fresh, herbal brightness that makes the plate look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—slightly firm yet tender. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as it’s a secret weapon for creating a silky, cohesive sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp generously with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’ve turned a beautiful pink and are opaque throughout. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate but keep all those flavorful browned bits in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Vegetables
In that same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes, just until you can smell that wonderful aroma—avoid browning it too much. Then toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Add the fresh spinach last, cooking it just until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked pasta to your skillet with the veggies, then stir in the butter, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a little extra heat. Using your reserved pasta water, add a splash at a time to help loosen the sauce and add that luscious silkiness. Finally, toss the shrimp back into the skillet, giving everything a gentle mix so all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Basil
Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and add fresh basil if desired. These last touches add richness and an herbal freshness that make this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are an excellent choice to brighten the dish with their sweet, peppery notes. Additionally, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can add a touch of luxury. For some extra crunch, toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts also pair wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands perfectly well on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some rustic garlic bread. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also add wonderful texture contrasts and fill out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe by plating it in shallow bowls with a scattering of fresh herbs on top and perhaps a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh pop of acidity. For a fun twist, serve the pasta over a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles to keep it light but still full of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining the shrimp’s tenderness and the pasta’s texture when properly cooled and sealed.
Freezing
While you can freeze this pasta, be aware that the texture of fresh spinach and shrimp might change slightly once thawed. If you choose to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. You can also microwave it, covered, in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the dish creamy and evenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the sautéing process.
What pasta type works best for Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Spaghetti, linguine, or penne are fantastic choices because they hold onto the sauce well, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand or prefer.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mildly spicy only if you include the optional red pepper flakes. You can always adjust or omit them based on your heat preference.
Can I substitute other greens for spinach?
Yes! Baby kale, swiss chard, or arugula can be used, though spinach provides the mildest flavor and quickest cooking time.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply omit the butter and Parmesan cheese or swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative to keep the dish creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe is truly one of those joyful meals that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just want to add something vibrant and fresh to your dinner rotation, this dish will exceed your expectations with its juicy shrimp, tender greens, and bright tomatoes all woven together in a gorgeous pasta. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every bite as much as I do!
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Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes with perfectly cooked pasta. In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, enhanced by garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Cook the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Add Shrimp and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine all ingredients well. Sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil on top, if desired.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while hot and enjoy the fresh, flavorful shrimp pasta dish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a smoother texture.
- Red pepper flakes are optional for a mild kick of heat.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Fresh basil garnish adds a lovely herbal aroma and color.
