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
- 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