Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta | YumAndJoy

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed with pasta in a garlic butter sauce. Light yet satisfying, this easy-to-make pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
  • Fresh and flavorful – A perfect balance of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan.
  • Healthy and satisfying – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
  • Versatile – Works with different pasta types or gluten-free alternatives.
  • Restaurant-quality meal at home – Simple ingredients, gourmet results.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
  • 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the Shrimp and Sauce

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente.
  • Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  • Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

  • In the same skillet, add garlic and cherry tomatoes.
  • Sauté for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften.

4. Add Spinach and Combine

  • Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  • Add red pepper flakes (if using).

5. Toss Everything Together

  • Return the shrimp to the pan.
  • Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon juice.
  • Toss everything together until well combined.

6. Serve

  • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Creamy Version – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
  • Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
  • Extra Protein – Add grilled chicken or scallops.
  • Spicy Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.
  • Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp and pasta can become rubbery.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fettuccine all work well.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, but drain them well to prevent excess liquid in the sauce.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables make great pairings.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the shrimp and prep the veggies in advance.

How do I keep shrimp from getting rubbery?

Avoid overcooking—shrimp only needs 2-3 minutes per side until pink.

Can I add white wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup white wine before adding the tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the end just to warm through to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish packed with fresh flavors and vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Light, delicious, and easy to prepare, it’s a must-try for any pasta lover!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and restaurant-quality meal perfect for a weeknight dinner! Made with juicy shrimp, fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is tossed with pasta and a touch of lemon for a refreshing, zesty finish. Ready in just 30 minutes!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
  • 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Shrimp & Sauce:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  2. Cook the shrimp – Heat olive oil & butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and black pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

  3. Sauté the garlic & tomatoes – In the same skillet, add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.

  4. Wilt the spinach – Add spinach and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute.

  5. Combine everything – Return shrimp to the skillet, add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat.

  6. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Notes

  • Swap spaghetti for whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini noodles for a healthier option.
  • Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for variety.
  • Add extra garlic or more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of olive oil or water.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta, Seafood
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments