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
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
-
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.
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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.
-
Sauté the garlic & tomatoes – In the same skillet, add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
-
Wilt the spinach – Add spinach and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute.
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Combine everything – Return shrimp to the skillet, add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat.
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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
