Introduction
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor. Juicy shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender spinach come together in a light garlic-infused olive oil sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp and tomato mixture in the skillet. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Toss everything together to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Variations
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Creamy Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta – Add ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese when mixing the pasta with the shrimp and tomatoes. This creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite beautifully. You can also mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan for extra indulgence.
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Spicy Kick Version – Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a bolder heat. For an even spicier dish, stir in 1 teaspoon of hot sauce or serve with a drizzle of chili oil.
-
Mediterranean-Inspired Twist – Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add sliced Kalamata olives for a salty bite. You can also toss in sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a deeper, slightly tangy flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier twist.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Substitute kale or arugula if you don’t have spinach.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
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With a Side of Garlic Bread – Serve this dish with crispy garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. A warm, crusty baguette brushed with butter, garlic, and parsley pairs perfectly with the light, garlicky flavors of the pasta.
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Paired with a Fresh Salad – A light, crisp salad balances out the richness of the dish. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons, adds freshness and contrast to the warm pasta.
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Wine Pairing for a Complete Meal – This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in the wine complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the lightness of the shrimp, making the meal feel elegant and well-rounded.
Tips
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Choose the Right Pasta – Spaghetti works great, but you can swap it with linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair for a different texture. If you prefer short pasta, try penne or rotini, which hold onto the sauce beautifully.
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Enhancing the Garlic Flavor – For an extra depth of flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the dish. Simply sauté it in olive oil over low heat until golden and fragrant. This will add a slightly sweet, caramelized garlic flavor to the dish.
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Making it Dairy-Free – To make this dish completely dairy-free, omit the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast as a substitute. You can also blend cashews with lemon juice and garlic to create a creamy, dairy-free topping with a cheesy flavor.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 520mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from diluting the flavors. -
What can I substitute for spinach?
You can swap spinach for kale, arugula, or Swiss chard. If using kale, remove the tough stems and sauté it for a minute longer to soften it properly. -
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta, such as chickpea pasta, brown rice pasta, or quinoa pasta. Be sure to check that all ingredients, like seasonings, are certified gluten-free. -
Can I add a sauce to this pasta?
While this dish has a light olive oil and garlic-based sauce, you can make it creamier by adding ½ cup of heavy cream or ½ cup of marinara sauce for a richer flavor.
Conclusion
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With juicy shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender spinach, this pasta is both light and satisfying. Plus, it’s easily customizable with different pasta types, spice levels, or creamy additions. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp salad, and you have a complete meal in just 25 minutes!
Enjoy this delicious pasta dish, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations to make it your own! 🍽️
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Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor. Juicy shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender spinach come together in a light garlic-infused olive oil sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp and tomato mixture in the skillet. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Toss everything together to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier twist.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Substitute kale or arugula if you don’t have spinach.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Shrimp pasta, garlic shrimp pasta, tomato spinach pasta, easy seafood pasta, Mediterranean pasta