This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy and fresh, featuring juicy shrimp, tender spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes. The garlic butter sauce blends with Parmesan cheese to create a velvety, flavorful coating that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish made easily at home in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to impress. The combination of simple ingredients results in a rich and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a side of garlic bread. Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, stirring until well combined. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and fresh basil. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4
Creamy Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta: A Flavorful Delight
Pasta dishes are the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors, creamy textures, and satisfying ingredients. One dish that stands out in the world of quick and delicious pasta recipes is Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta. This recipe brings together juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and vibrant cherry tomatoes in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want to prepare something delicious in under 30 minutes. It also works beautifully for special occasions or when you’re in the mood to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta deserves a spot on your dinner rotation.
- Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Rich and Creamy – The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter creates a luscious sauce that enhances every bite.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors – Sweet cherry tomatoes, earthy spinach, and garlic-infused shrimp provide a wonderful contrast of flavors.
- Healthy Yet Indulgent – Shrimp is a lean protein, and spinach adds essential vitamins while the creamy sauce makes it feel indulgent.
- Customizable – You can adjust the level of spice, swap ingredients, or add extra vegetables to make it your own.
The Magic of Fresh Ingredients
One of the reasons this dish tastes so incredible is the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the key components that make this pasta so delicious.
1. Shrimp – Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, and when cooked just right, it becomes tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The slight sweetness of shrimp balances beautifully with the savory garlic butter sauce.
2. Cherry Tomatoes – Bursting with natural sweetness, cherry tomatoes add a pop of freshness and acidity to the dish. When they cook down, they release their juices, which enhance the sauce.
3. Fresh Spinach – Spinach not only adds color but also packs in essential nutrients like iron and vitamins A and C. It wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce, making it a seamless addition.
4. Parmesan Cheese – A little Parmesan goes a long way in adding depth, umami, and a nutty richness to the sauce. It also helps thicken the sauce naturally.
5. Garlic and Butter – These two ingredients work hand in hand to create a deeply aromatic base that elevates the dish’s overall flavor.
How to Customize This Pasta
One of the best things about Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to switch up the protein, make it lighter, or add extra veggies, there are many ways to modify this recipe:
- Swap the Protein – If you don’t have shrimp, try using chicken, salmon, or even scallops for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Lighter – Reduce the amount of butter and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add More Veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would work wonderfully in this dish.
- Adjust the Spice – Love heat? Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Go Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make it dairy-free.
What to Serve with Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
Pairing this pasta with the right sides can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great serving suggestions:
- Garlic Bread – A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables – If you want to add more veggies, roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers are great choices.
- White Wine – A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy and garlicky flavors beautifully.
Expert Tips for the Best Pasta
For a restaurant-quality dish, follow these expert cooking tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cooks very quickly. The moment they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Salt Your Pasta Water – Always add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before cooking your pasta. This enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well as freshly grated Parmesan, so always use a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
- Reserve Some Pasta Water – If the sauce becomes too thick, adding a splash of starchy pasta water helps create the perfect consistency.
- Toss Everything Together at the End – Instead of just placing the sauce on top of the pasta, mix everything together in the pan to ensure the pasta absorbs all the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When reheating, add a little extra cream or pasta water to refresh the sauce.
3. What’s the best type of pasta to use?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine are great choices, but you can also use penne or rigatoni if you prefer a shorter pasta shape.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.
Conclusion
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is the perfect dish for anyone who loves a balance of flavor, texture, and convenience. With its creamy garlic butter sauce, tender shrimp, and vibrant spinach and tomatoes, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet remains easy to prepare.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a date night at home, or a gathering with friends, this pasta recipe will always be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with its versatility, you can make small tweaks to suit your preferences, making it an instant favorite in your recipe collection.
Give this delicious pasta a try, and enjoy a meal that’s bursting with rich, satisfying flavors in every bite!