Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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

  • Minimal prep time with just 20-25 minutes from start to finish makes this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Professional-tasting dish that looks impressive but requires basic cooking skills, ideal for home chefs wanting to elevate their cooking game.
  • Combines protein-rich shrimp, nutrient-dense spinach, and antioxidant-loaded tomatoes for a balanced, wholesome meal that supports healthy eating goals.
  • Flexible recipe allowing simple ingredient swaps like using different proteins or adapting to dietary preferences without compromising flavor or texture.

Ingredients to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Main Ingredients:

Protein Base:
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings a delicate marine flavor and protein to the dish. Fresh or frozen shrimp works well, with medium or large sizes preferred.
  • Pasta: Classic base that absorbs sauce and provides hearty texture. Any long pasta like linguine or spaghetti will work perfectly.
Fresh Produce:
  • Spinach: Light green leafy vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color. Fresh spinach leaves provide better texture and freshness.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomato variety that bursts with flavor when cooked. Ripe, firm tomatoes ensure best taste.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Olive Oil: Essential cooking fat that provides rich base flavor and prevents sticking. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best taste.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates deep, robust flavor foundation. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
  • Heavy Cream: Creamy element that transforms sauce into luxurious consistency. Full-fat cream gives best results.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and creaminess to sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt: Fundamental seasoning that balances and elevates dish flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Adds slight heat and complexity to overall taste profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional spicy kick for those wanting extra heat.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional herb that adds bright, fresh finishing touch. Chopped just before serving.

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:
  • Halved tomatoes
  • Whole skillet
  • Medium heat

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:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

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

  • Pasta Water Magic: Save some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
  • Shrimp Searing Secrets: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
  • Spinach Wilting Wisdom: Add spinach last to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, keeping nutrients intact.
  • Creamy Sauce Control: Lower heat when adding cream to prevent curdling and ensure a velvety, smooth consistency.
  • Quick Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or add fresh herbs like basil for an extra layer of freshness.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Pasta Dishes

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from seeping in.
  • Warm the pasta in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying out, then heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Revive the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
  • Consume refrigerated pasta within 2-3 days for best taste and texture. Discard if you notice any unusual smell, color changes, or signs of spoilage.

What Goes Great with Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

  • Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, tangy flavors of the shrimp pasta.
  • Serve crusty garlic bread or a rustic ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying textural contrast to the dish.
  • Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the creamy pasta and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Whip up a quick Greek-style cucumber salad with feta cheese and herbs to echo the Mediterranean flavors in the pasta and add a cool, tangy element.

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.

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 Recipe

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 38 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the developing medley, permitting them to dramatically collapse and integrate with the existing ingredients.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star