Sizzling Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Pasta Lovers
Creamy shrimp and tomato spinach pasta promises a culinary adventure that whisks you straight to Mediterranean coastlines.
Salt breezes and sunshine practically dance through this vibrant dish.
Rich ocean flavors mingle with earthy spinach and bright tomato notes, creating something truly spectacular.
Home chefs adore how quickly this meal comes together in one skillet.
Professional restaurant techniques meet weeknight convenience in each twirled forkful.
Tender shrimp nestle among silky noodles, promising comfort and excitement on a single plate.
This recipe will make you the dinner hero everyone celebrates.
Why Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Ingredients to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
Main Ingredients:
Protein Base:Fresh Produce:Sauce and Seasoning Components:Optional Flavor Enhancers:Garnish:How to Cook Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta at Home
Step 1: Boil Pasta
Grab a large pot and fill with water. Sprinkle salt generously. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop pasta and cook following package directions until perfectly tender. Drain pasta, keeping a small cup of starchy water on the side.
Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Toss shrimp into the pan. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a beautiful pink color and look opaque. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.
Step 3: Awaken Garlic And Tomatoes
In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic until wonderfully aromatic. Add cherry tomatoes:Cook tomatoes until they soften and release their juicy essence.
Step 4: Wilt Fresh Greens
Introduce fresh spinach leaves into the skillet. Stir gently until spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
Step 5: Create Creamy Magic
Lower cooking temperature. Pour heavy cream into the skillet. Stir smoothly. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Let sauce thicken slightly.
Step 6: Marry All Ingredients
Return shrimp to skillet. Add cooked pasta. Gently toss everything together. If sauce seems thick, splash some reserved pasta water. Season with:Step 7: Plate And Garnish
Scatter fresh basil or parsley on top. Serve immediately while steaming hot.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta Every Time
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Pasta Dishes
What Goes Great with Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
Fun Variations for Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
Vegan Seafood Delight: Replace shrimp with plant-based alternatives like king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm, sliced into strips and sautéed with seafood seasoning for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Ocean Plate: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free rice pasta to accommodate wheat sensitivities while maintaining the recipe’s core ingredients and cooking method.
Low-Carb Protein Bowl: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables, using lighter cream alternatives like coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish rich and satisfying.
Mediterranean Herbal Version: Incorporate additional herbs like oregano, thyme, and dill, and replace heavy cream with a light white wine and lemon juice sauce for a brighter, more Mediterranean-inspired profile.
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Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with this tomato spinach shrimp pasta, where coastal Italian flavors dance on your plate. Succulent shrimp, tender spinach, and ripe tomatoes create a quick, elegant dinner that whisks you straight to seaside charm.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 pound (16 ounces) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot and submerge pasta, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain while preserving a small quantity of starchy cooking liquid.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce shrimp and execute a swift cooking process, transforming them from translucent to rosy pink with defined edges. Extract seafood and reserve momentarily.
- Within the same heated skillet, introduce minced garlic and allow aromatic molecules to release for approximately 30 seconds. Cascade halved cherry tomatoes into the pan, encouraging them to soften and release their vibrant juices over 3-4 minutes.
- Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the developing medley, permitting them to dramatically collapse and integrate with the existing ingredients.
- Reduce flame intensity and cascade heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the mixture achieves a velvety, slightly thickened consistency.
- Reintroduce cooked shrimp and pasta into the creamy landscape. Orchestrate a thorough tossing movement, potentially incorporating reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce viscosity. Season comprehensively with salt, ground pepper, and fiery red pepper flakes.
- Elevate the dish with delicate fresh herb garnish, presenting immediately for optimal temperature and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality pasta like linguine or fettuccine for better texture and sauce absorption.
- Shrimp Selection: Use fresh, medium-sized shrimp for optimal flavor and quick cooking time.
- Garlic Technique: Mince garlic finely to prevent burning and distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Cream Sauce Tip: Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain smooth consistency.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
- Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, starting with a small pinch and increasing gradually.
- Quick Cooking: Have all ingredients prepped before starting to ensure smooth and efficient cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Dave Mitchell
Founder & Chief Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking.
Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.
Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.