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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends fresh, vibrant flavors with satisfying comfort, this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine succulent shrimp sautéed to tender perfection, mixed with sweet cherry tomatoes and tender spinach, all tossed together with al dente pasta and a hint of garlic-infused olive oil. It’s a quick, colorful, and hearty meal that feels fancy enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight treat. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for busy nights and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a celebration of simple but powerful ingredients that work beautifully together. Each element brings something unique—whether it’s the juicy pop of cherry tomatoes, the fresh green glow of spinach, or the tender bite of shrimp—making this dish as colorful on the plate as it is bursting with flavor.
- 8 oz spaghetti or preferred pasta: Choose your favorite pasta to provide the perfect base and texture for the dish.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp offer a sweet, meaty bite that complements the veggies beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The backbone for sautéing, adding richness and helping to meld the flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a punch of aromatic depth that elevates every element.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: These sweet bursts add juicy freshness and vibrant color.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Spinach adds a mild earthiness, a lovely contrast to the sweet tomatoes and shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a bit of heat, this adds a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to season and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth: This adds moisture and helps create a light, flavorful sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving): A finishing touch that brings creaminess and umami.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. This texture is key because it holds up well when tossed into the sauce later. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining as it will help create a smooth sauce that clings deliciously to every strand of pasta.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic
Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic very briefly—just about 30 seconds—so it becomes fragrant but not burnt. Then add the shrimp and cook them until they turn a beautiful pink, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step locks in that juicy, tender bite that makes the dish so special.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes and Spinach
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook them until they start to soften, releasing their sweet juices into the pan, about 2 minutes. Follow with the fresh spinach and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook just until the spinach wilts, keeping that lovely bright green color and fresh flavor.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Combine with Pasta
Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This step helps meld the savory shrimp and flavorful veggies together. Add the drained pasta back into the skillet, tossing gently along with reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a silky sauce that coats everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning until it’s just right for your palate.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately while it’s hot, optionally sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top for a luscious finish that melts effortlessly over the warm dish.
How to Serve Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving game by adding fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top for an herbaceous pop. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add that touch of decadence that makes each forkful even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter also complement this dish wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual bowls garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. You could also plate the shrimp on top of a neat nest of pasta for a restaurant-style presentation that’s impressive yet effortless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The spinach will continue to soften, so if you prefer it fresher, add extra greens when reheating.
Freezing
While this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Spread the pasta in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep it moist. Stir frequently to heat evenly without drying the shrimp or spinach.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely without steaming.
What kind of pasta works best in this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Spaghetti is classic here, but feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne—whatever you prefer or have on hand.
Is the red pepper flakes necessary?
Not at all. Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes, but you can omit them if you want a milder dish.
Can I substitute the chicken broth with something else?
Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian-friendly option, or you can simply use water with a pinch of salt if needed.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply skip the Parmesan cheese at the end or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe is truly a shining star in any kitchen, offering freshness, comfort, and a whirlwind of flavors all in one pan. It’s quick enough for busy nights yet elegant enough to impress anyone at your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!
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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
A quick and flavorful Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta recipe perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed with spaghetti in a light garlic and broth sauce, finished with optional Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or preferred pasta
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3–5 minutes.
- Cook Tomatoes and Spinach: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they soften, approximately 2 minutes. Stir in the fresh spinach and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook until the spinach wilts.
- Create Sauce and Combine: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring everything to combine well.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, optionally topping with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor and garnish.
Notes
- Use shrimp that is peeled and deveined for the best texture and ease of eating.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- For a vegetarian version, omit shrimp and use vegetable broth.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice gentle heat to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
