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
Scale
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.
