Sometimes, the best meals come together with the simplest ingredients. Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is one of those dishes. It’s packed with vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a touch of indulgence, making it the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or even a casual date night.
Imagine juicy shrimp, sweet grape tomatoes, and tender spinach tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti in a light garlic butter sauce. It’s a dish that feels gourmet without the effort. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Why You’ll Love Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
Here are a few reasons why this pasta dish will become a go-to in your home:
- Quick and easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 30 minutes.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and Italian seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and veggies.
- Healthy and fresh: With protein-packed shrimp, nutrient-rich spinach, and juicy tomatoes, it’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients, adjust the spice level, or add extras like Parmesan or red pepper flakes to make it your own.
- Family-friendly: Everyone will enjoy the comforting flavors of this simple yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients for Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful pasta:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 8 ounces |
| Shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined | 1 pound (31-40/pound size) |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Grape tomatoes, halved | 10 ounces |
| Chicken broth | ¼ cup |
| Italian seasoning | ¼ teaspoon |
| Baby spinach | 2 cups (packed) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.
- Cook the Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save ½ cup of the cooking water.
- Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp: Sprinkle the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Set Aside: Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved grape tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
4. Make the Sauce
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes.
- Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Spinach and Shrimp
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts down.
- Return the Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
6. Toss the Pasta
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Season: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Plate and Garnish: Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta immediately.
Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Pasta
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and juicy grape tomatoes elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch them closely as they cook.
- Save pasta water: The starchy water is perfect for loosening the sauce and helping it coat the pasta evenly.
- Customize the recipe: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce, or toss in some red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve immediately: This dish tastes best fresh, so plan to enjoy it as soon as it’s ready.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (recipe serves 4):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Protein | ~30g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
FAQ: Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work just as well in this recipe.
2. What can I substitute for shrimp?
If you don’t eat shrimp, you can use chicken, scallops, or tofu for a different take on the dish.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the shrimp with mushrooms or another protein-rich vegetable, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce and cooked shrimp separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to eat.
6. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to include bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for added variety and color.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a wholesome experience. With its fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and ease of preparation, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this pasta delivers on all fronts.
Ready to Cook?
Gather your ingredients and get ready to bring this flavorful dish to life. With its vibrant colors, creamy textures, and mouthwatering flavors, Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Dive in and savor every delicious bite!
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Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and delicious meal that combines tender shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and fresh spinach with perfectly cooked spaghetti, all tossed in a light garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to make and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40/pound size, thawed, peeled, and deveined (tails can be removed))
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes (cut into halves)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in the spaghetti and cook it following the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Save ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: As the pasta cooks, sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for approximately 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, incorporate the butter and let it gently melt down. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the halved grape tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and add the Italian seasoning. Stir and let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the spinach wilts down.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the sautéed shrimp back into the skillet and stir to ensure they are well coated in the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Season the pasta with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Notes
- Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp yields the best flavor, but frozen shrimp that’s properly thawed works great too.
- Vegetable Options: Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Top the finished dish with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired