Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels both fresh and indulgent, this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta will quickly become one of your go-tos. Imagine juicy grape tomatoes bursting with flavor, tender shrimp perfectly sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, and vibrant spinach leaves bringing a touch of green goodness to every bite. The deliciousness is all tied together with al dente spaghetti that soaks up the savory sauce, creating a quick yet elegant dinner experience you can whip up in just about 30 minutes. This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, infusing the dish with flavor, texture, and color. They’re easy to find, straightforward to prepare, and come together beautifully to create a satisfying meal.

• Spaghetti (8 ounces): The perfect base that holds the sauce and complements the shrimp and veggies without overpowering them.
• Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Tender and succulent, shrimp cook quickly and infuse the dish with a lovely seafood flavor.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a light fruity richness and helps sauté the garlic and shrimp evenly.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a silky, luscious sauce that wraps around every ingredient.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings fragrant warmth and depth of flavor that wakes up the entire dish.
• Grape tomatoes (10 ounces, halved): Their sweet, juicy burst balances the buttery sauce and brightens the plate with color.
• Chicken broth (¼ cup): Adds moisture and umami to the sauce without heaviness.
• Italian seasoning (¼ teaspoon): A subtle mix of herbs that complements the shrimp and vegetables beautifully.
• Fresh baby spinach (2 cups, packed): Provides a tender, leafy green contrast that boosts the nutritional value.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.

How to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the spaghetti until it is al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it—not too soft. This ensures the pasta maintains its texture when tossed with the sauce later. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and shrimp.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and butter together until melted and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds until you can smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Immediately follow by stirring in the halved grape tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer gently for around 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their sweet juices, creating a rich, colorful sauce base.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp and Spinach

Next, add the shrimp directly into the skillet. As they start turning pink, toss in the fresh baby spinach. Lower the heat to medium and cook everything for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The shrimp will become tender and flavorful, while the spinach wilts just enough to blend seamlessly with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Season your sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then add the cooked spaghetti back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta absorbs the garlicky, buttery goodness. If you notice the dish could use a bit more sauce, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water—it helps create a silky coating that clings to every strand of spaghetti.

How to Serve Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a salty, creamy finish. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a fragrant green pop that complements the flavors perfectly. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness and gives the dish an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia are delightful for mopping up any remaining sauce on your plate. For a lighter option, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans add a fresh contrast to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in individual shallow bowls to showcase its vibrant colors and inviting textures. For a fun twist, plate the pasta inside hollowed-out tomatoes to impress guests at your next dinner party. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites everyone to add a zesty brightness if they like!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but shrimp can lose some of its tender texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh whenever possible.

Freezing

This pasta is best when fresh, but if you want to freeze leftovers, consider storing the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Pasta tends to get mushy after freezing and reheating, so it’s ideal to add fresh cooked pasta after thawing and warming the sauce and shrimp.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwave reheating can be done but stir midway through to ensure even warming while being careful not to dry out the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking. Pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from watering down the sauce.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Spaghetti is traditional and works wonderfully, but feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if you prefer a different shape. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is mild and flavorful, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a little heat if you like.

Can I substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works great, especially if you want a lighter or vegetarian-friendly twist (just omit the shrimp). It still adds wonderful depth to the sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe without the spinach?

Definitely. If you don’t have spinach on hand or prefer not to use it, the dish will still taste fantastic—though the spinach adds a lovely color and nutrition boost.

Final Thoughts

When you want a dinner that feels special but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all evening, this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is the answer. Its vibrant flavors, quick preparation, and satisfying textures make it a perfect weeknight meal or casual dinner party dish. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own go-to for a delightful seafood pasta night!

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