If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors yet comes together effortlessly, the Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender shrimp cooked to perfection, mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, all tossed in a luscious, garlicky sauce clinging to perfectly al dente pasta. This dish brings color, texture, and a hint of spice to your plate and will quickly become one of your go-to meals for busy nights or impressing guests without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor that make this dish unforgettable. From the sweetness of cherry tomatoes to the freshness of spinach and the savory punch of garlic and Parmesan, every item is essential to the experience.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, bringing a delightful seafood flavor and satisfying texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp, adding richness without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with an irresistible aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne): Your choice of pasta shapes to soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used again to cook the vegetables gently and bring out their natural sweetness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds bursts of juicy brightness and a lovely pop of color.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Brings a tender, vibrant green element rich in nutrients.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all flavors together harmoniously.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like just a touch of heat in their pasta.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds luscious creaminess and depth to the sauce.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides salty, nutty richness to finish the dish perfectly.
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional): A fragrant herb that elevates the pasta with its fresh, sweet aroma.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta until it’s al dente, following the package instructions carefully. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a secret weapon to make your sauce silky and well-coated.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, set the shrimp aside to keep them perfectly tender.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes—this gentle step unlocks layers of flavor. Then toss in halved cherry tomatoes, letting them soften and release their sweet juices, about 3 to 4 minutes. Finally, add fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, which takes around 2 minutes. This mixture will become the vibrant heart of your sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with your sautéed vegetables. Stir in butter, Italian seasoning, and if you like, the red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick. Gently toss everything together, gradually adding that reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings to every strand.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the shrimp to the pan and mix well to combine all the elements. To finish, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish and add chopped fresh basil if you have it. Serve immediately and get ready to savor a home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug.
How to Serve Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra love from garnishes can turn this pasta into something truly special. Fresh basil leaves add a refreshing herbal note, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese brings a delightful salty crunch. A wedge of lemon on the side is also fantastic for those who want a zesty brightness to complement the shrimp.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a crunchy contrast, while crusty garlic bread makes the perfect companion to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables can round out your meal with extra color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, twirl the pasta into neat nests on individual plates and place shrimp artfully on top. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and scatter fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-quality presentation. Serving family-style in a beautiful, large bowl encourages sharing and lively conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Storing it properly helps preserve the bright flavors and tender textures without turning soggy.
Freezing
While freezing seafood pasta dishes isn’t always ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze the pasta and vegetables separately without the shrimp. Thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat, adding freshly cooked shrimp to keep that perfect bite.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to bring back its silky sauce and avoid drying out. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through heating to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp fully before cooking and pat them dry to help them sear nicely. Frozen shrimp make this recipe convenient without sacrificing flavor.
What pasta works best for this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
You can use spaghetti, linguine, or penne—whichever you prefer. Long noodles like linguine create a lovely presentation, while penne grabs more sauce with every bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Definitely. Adding red pepper flakes is a great way to introduce heat, but feel free to increase the amount or add a dash of hot sauce depending on your spice tolerance.
Can I substitute spinach with another green?
Yes, baby kale, arugula, or Swiss chard would be fantastic substitutes, offering different textures and flavors while maintaining that fresh green touch.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque; typically about 2-3 minutes per side. Removing them promptly and adding them back at the end keeps them tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe is the kind of dish that lights up your dinner table with bright flavors, fresh ingredients, and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s straightforward enough to whip up any night of the week but special enough to wow. Give it a try—you’ll be adding it to your favorites in no time!
Print
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese and a touch of butter. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a flavorful and healthy dinner option that combines succulent seafood with vibrant vegetables and Italian seasonings.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing
- 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, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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. Then add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- 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.
- Finish and Serve: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to combine. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, flavorful pasta!
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a smooth sauce when tossing with the pasta and shrimp.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh basil for a vibrant herbal note.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
