If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, comforting, and packed with fresh flavors, this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe will quickly become your new favorite weeknight go-to. It brings together succulent shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, and bright spinach in a luscious, garlicky sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe offers a delightful balance of colors, textures, and tastes that feel both sophisticated and effortlessly homey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender shrimp to the fresh spinach and sun-kissed tomatoes, these essentials come together to create a wonderfully vibrant dish.
- 8 oz spaghetti: Use your favorite pasta shape, but spaghetti holds the sauce beautifully for that classic feel.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp works best for a juicy, delicate seafood touch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A good quality olive oil brings richness and helps toast the garlic perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a little pungency that makes the whole dish sing.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: These burst with sweetness and juiciness, balancing the savory shrimp.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Offers a mild, leafy green that wilts quickly and boosts the dish’s color and nutrition.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you love a touch of spice without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Crucial for enhancing and rounding out all the ingredients.
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Creates a light sauce that ties everything together and keeps the pasta moist.
- Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional): Fresh herbaceous notes and creamy cheese make the dish feel extra special.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente — tender, but still with a slight bite. Drain, but be sure to reserve a cup of the pasta water; it may come in handy later to loosen the sauce and keep things silky.
Step 2: Sauté Shrimp and Garlic
While your pasta is cooking, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes until they turn pink and curl up—this is the moment they soak up all the garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Spinach
Next, stir in the cherry tomatoes and sprinkle the optional red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little spicy. Let the tomatoes soften and start releasing their juices, around 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, add the fresh spinach. It might look like a lot at first, but it wilts down quickly—keep stirring until it’s all tender and combined.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Broth
Pour in the broth and add the cooked pasta to your skillet. Toss everything together gently. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up without watering down the flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This step is where all the components unite beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta while it’s piping hot. Finish each serving with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan and tear some fresh basil leaves over the top if you have them on hand. It transforms the dish into something truly special and visually inviting.
How to Serve Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese are classic garnishes that complement the dish perfectly, adding layers of flavor and a lovely contrast in texture. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten things up beautifully just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also work wonderfully alongside the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with a nest of basil and a sprinkle of cheese to create restaurant-worthy elegance. You can also add a splash of color with edible flowers or fresh herbs for an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining its flavor and texture if reheated gently.
Freezing
While shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated, you can freeze the pasta separately without shrimp. Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat this dish gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water can help revive the sauce’s silky texture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sauté evenly and avoids excess water diluting the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the shrimp and consider adding canned chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for protein. The tomato and spinach base still shines beautifully on its own.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is classic and perfect for this recipe, but feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can leave them out entirely or add more if you love some heat. Fresh chili slices also work well if you want to experiment.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook the shrimp quickly over medium heat until just pink and curled. They cook fast, so watch carefully and remove them from heat as soon as they’re done to keep them juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up a meal that feels both fresh and indulgent without hours in the kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of color and flavor to your plate, perfect for weeknights or inviting guests over. Give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all tossed with al dente spaghetti in a light broth. Garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan, it’s a vibrant, healthy meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti (or preferred pasta)
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquids
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water for later use.
- Sauté shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 3 minutes. Add fresh spinach and stir until it just wilts.
- Combine everything: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps in loosening the sauce and binding it to the pasta.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make this dish gluten-free.
- Fresh spinach wilts quickly; add it last to retain its bright color and nutrients.
