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
Scale
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.
