Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: colorful, vibrant, and ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp, sweet grape tomatoes, and a shower of fresh spinach come together in a light garlic-butter sauce that’s tossed with al dente spaghetti for a dish that feels both fresh and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is how incredibly simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each item pulls its weight to create a balanced dish—think juicy shrimp for protein and sweetness, fresh tomatoes for brightness, and vibrant spinach to add nutrition and color. Here’s what makes each component shine:

• Spaghetti: Classic and perfectly twirlable, spaghetti is the ideal vehicle for capturing every drop of the light, flavorful sauce.
• Shrimp: Look for medium-size (31-40 count) peeled shrimp for quick cooking and a succulent, tender bite in every forkful.
• Olive Oil: Adds a hint of fruitiness and helps sauté the garlic for the foundation of the sauce.
• Butter: Brings extra richness and a silky texture to coat the pasta luxuriously.
• Garlic: Four cloves might sound like a lot, but it’s the backbone of that irresistible aroma and flavor in every bite.
• Grape Tomatoes: Their inherent sweetness and juiciness concentrate as they sauté, helping build a gorgeous, fresh sauce.
• Chicken Broth: A splash helps deepen the flavor of the sauce while keeping it light and savory.
• Italian Seasoning: Just a touch infuses the dish with aromatic herbs—think basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Tossed in at the last moment, it wilts gently and adds a beautiful green pop and earthy note.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for brightening and balancing all those fresh flavors—season as you go!

Variations

This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is endlessly flexible, so feel free to let your pantry and taste buds guide you! Whether you’re catering to specific dietary needs or just mixing things up, these simple variations are sure to inspire delicious new twists.

• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone right before tossing with the pasta for a luscious, velvety finish.
• Go Gluten-Free: Swap traditional spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free noodles or even zucchini spirals to make it lighter and celiac-friendly.
• Switch the Protein: Try chicken, scallops, or even cannellini beans in place of shrimp for a different flavor profile (or to use what you have on hand).
• Add a Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a gentle heat that perks up the whole dish.

How to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously (like the sea!), and bring it to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until just al dente, according to package directions. This gives the pasta that perfect chew so it won’t get mushy when tossed with the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter starts to foam, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant, not browned. This is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce

Toss the halved grape tomatoes into the skillet along with the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir! Let the mixture bubble away for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down to create a light, juicy sauce.

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Spinach

Drop the shrimp into the skillet with the tomatoes, followed immediately by your handfuls of baby spinach. Lower the heat to medium, and cook for about 5 minutes, folding and turning the shrimp so they cook evenly and the spinach just wilts into luscious green ribbons.

Step 5: Toss and Season

Drain the cooked spaghetti (saving a splash of the pasta water just in case), then toss it right into the skillet with the shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems a little dry, add a bit of reserved pasta water until it reaches your perfect sauciness.

How to Serve Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

A simple shower of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano brings a salty, nutty finish to your Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta. For a burst of color and brightness, scatter a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley over each plate. A squeeze of lemon right at the table is pure joy!

Side Dishes

Pair this vibrant pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, or serve alongside some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that garlic-butter sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans also make lovely, simple companions for this meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, twirl the pasta into little nests with tongs and plate each serving atop a warm platter, topping with extra shrimp and tomatoes. Serve in shallow bowls for a rustic, trattoria-style dinner, or arrange family-style with the pan brought right to the table—pass the cheese and let everyone help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making for a lovely lunch the next day.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions by cooling the pasta and shrimp completely and storing in freezer-safe containers. Just note that the texture of the spinach and shrimp may change slightly after thawing, but the flavor will still satisfy!

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth over low heat, tossing until warmed through to avoid overcooking the shrimp. For best results, try to reheat only what you plan to eat right away.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta—it’s the kind of meal that lets you bring a taste of sunshine and flavor to your table any night of the week. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and get ready to savor every twirl and bite!

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