Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Juicy, succulent shrimp are tossed with tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce for a vibrant and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a romantic dinner, this dish is both impressive and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This pasta dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining fresh, wholesome ingredients with bold flavors. The shrimp adds a touch of elegance, while the tomato sauce and spinach keep it light and fresh. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those nights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

Linguine or spaghetti
Olive oil
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Fresh spinach
Cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Sauce:

Garlic, minced
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Heavy cream (optional for a creamy twist)
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
Salt and pepper

Find the full ingredient list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Make the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

Combine Everything

Add the spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works well if thawed properly.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency without diluting the flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

For a creamy version, stir in heavy cream or cream cheese after adding the crushed tomatoes.
Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops, or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For sides, consider garlic bread, a Caprese salad, or roasted vegetables. Finish the meal with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or tiramisu.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best results.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely—skip the cream and Parmesan, and it will still be flavorful and delicious.

3. What type of pasta works best?
Long pastas like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work great, but penne or rigatoni can also be used.

4. Can I prepare this in advance?
The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Cook the pasta and shrimp fresh for the best texture when serving.

Conclusion

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that’s full of vibrant flavors and perfect for any occasion. With its combination of juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Whip it up tonight and enjoy a taste of gourmet right at home!

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a light and flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp, vibrant spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes tossed in a garlicky olive oil sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp is pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
1. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
2. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Toss in spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Combine Ingredients:
1. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet.
2. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
Finish and Serve:
1. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a creamier version, add 1/4 cup heavy cream along with the pasta water.
Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different twist.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 410
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 170mg