Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

If you’re craving a cozy yet light pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor, Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is your answer. This dish combines succulent shrimp with juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta—all brought together with a luscious, garlicky sauce. It’s everything you want in a meal: comforting, satisfying, and full of fresh ingredients that make every bite a little piece of heaven. Plus, it’s ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something quick but special.

You’ll love how the shrimp takes on all the savory, garlicky goodness from the sauce, while the spinach adds a vibrant color and mild bitterness that balances out the richness. And the cherry tomatoes? They burst in your mouth with a pop of juicy sweetness that takes the whole dish to the next level.

Why You’ll Love Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Fresh and Flavorful

The combination of garlic, shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes creates a medley of flavors that’s both light and hearty. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh.

Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the ideal dinner option when you don’t have much time to cook but still want something delicious.

One-Pot Wonder

You’ll only need one skillet and one pot to make this entire dish, which means easy prep and less cleanup afterward. Who doesn’t love that?

Light Yet Filling

With the perfect amount of shrimp, pasta, and veggies, this dish is satisfying without feeling too heavy. It’s a great option for a healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this deliciously fresh and flavorful dish:

For the Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta:

  • Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best for this dish.
  • Pasta: Any pasta you like, though linguine or spaghetti works wonderfully with the shrimp and sauce.
  • Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a mild, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and tomatoes.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, burstable cherry tomatoes add a juicy, refreshing component to the dish.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that savory, aromatic base.
  • Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp and veggies and making everything extra flavorful.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • White Wine: A splash of white wine makes the sauce sing and adds a light acidity to balance the flavors.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
  • Salt & Pepper: To season everything to perfection.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but if you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this mouthwatering dish? Let’s go!

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later.

Cook the Shrimp:

  1. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and another drizzle of olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to burst and soften.
  2. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and the sauce reduce slightly.

Combine Everything:

  1. Add Spinach and Pasta: Add the spinach to the skillet and stir it around until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it all together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  2. Add the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp back into the pan with the pasta and vegetables, mixing everything together to coat the pasta with that delicious sauce.

Finishing Touches:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or extra red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (depending on portion size and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

This pasta is so tasty on its own, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:

  • Salad: Pair it with a light side salad, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the pasta.
  • Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the extra sauce—trust me, you’ll want to!
  • Wine: A glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs perfectly with the fresh flavors of this dish.

Additional Tips

  • Pasta Choice: You can use any pasta you like—spaghetti, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. The sauce will coat whatever pasta you choose beautifully.
  • Make it Lighter: If you want a lighter version, skip the butter and use more olive oil, or even a splash of vegetable broth for extra flavor.
  • Add More Veggies: You can throw in other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini if you want to pack in more nutrition.
  • Shrimp Variations: If you prefer, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken or scallops—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
  • Make It Creamy: If you love creamy pasta dishes, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce to give it a luscious, rich texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking, and pat them dry to ensure they sear properly in the skillet.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the pasta, shrimp, and sauce components ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Then, reheat and combine everything just before serving.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A3: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would all work wonderfully with this dish. Just cook the pasta to your desired texture and toss it with the sauce.

Q4: Is there a substitute for white wine?

A4: If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Q6: Can I make this dish dairy-free?

A6: Yes! Skip the butter and Parmesan cheese, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free option.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

A7: Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q8: Can I use frozen spinach?

A8: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before adding it to the pan. Fresh spinach is ideal, but frozen works in a pinch.

Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?

A9: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or toss in some fresh chopped chili peppers for an extra kick of heat.

Q10: How do I make this dish gluten-free?

A10: Simply swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go!

Conclusion

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together in a light yet satisfying meal. With juicy shrimp, bursting tomatoes, and vibrant spinach, all coated in a garlicky, buttery sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, it’s bound to become one of your go-to pasta recipes. So, get your skillet ready and enjoy a delicious dinner in just 30 minutes!

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Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and light yet satisfying dish. Tender shrimp, sautéed in garlic and olive oil, are combined with fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and pasta, all tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal any night of the week!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 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

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Shrimp:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
    • Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables.
    • Stir in the butter, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
    • Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
  5. Finish and Serve:
    • Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to combine.
    • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
  6. Serve Immediately:
    • Enjoy your fresh, flavorful pasta!

Notes

  • Feel free to use any pasta you prefer—whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works great too!
  • For added richness, you can drizzle the pasta with a bit of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
  • If you want to make it even heartier, you can add a few extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 0g

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