Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Quick & Flavorful Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Tomato spinach shrimp pasta delivers a spectacular combination of oceanic and garden-fresh flavors in one delightful plate.

Mediterranean influences dance through this straightforward culinary creation, promising a meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Succulent shellfish intertwine with leafy greens, creating a vibrant color palette that tempts the senses.

Bright ingredients upgrade ordinary weeknight dinners into something memorable and nourishing.

Robust seasonings meld seamlessly, building depth without overwhelming delicate seafood nuances.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal preparation.

Professional kitchen magic happens in mere minutes, turning simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta for a Light Dinner

  • Whip Up a Quick Gourmet Meal: This pasta dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet effortless.
  • Burst with Fresh Flavor Combinations: Juicy grape tomatoes, tender shrimp, and vibrant spinach create a harmonious blend of bright, ocean-fresh tastes that dance on your palate with every bite.
  • Pack a Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with lean protein from shrimp, iron-rich spinach, and balanced macronutrients, this recipe delivers a wholesome meal that nourishes your body while satisfying your taste buds.
  • Customize with Endless Variations: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra vegetables, making it a versatile go-to dish for spontaneous cooking adventures.

Key Ingredients for Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Pasta Base:
  • Spaghetti: Classic long pasta perfect for absorbing rich sauce and complementing seafood and vegetables.
Protein and Seafood:
  • Shrimp: Tender seafood protein that cooks quickly and adds delicate ocean flavor to the pasta dish.
Fat and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Rich and smooth fats that provide deep flavor foundation and help create silky sauce texture.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that delivers intense, warm base note to the entire dish.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Grape Tomatoes: Sweet, small tomatoes that burst with fresh flavor and add vibrant color to the pasta.
  • Fresh Spinach: Delicate leafy green that wilts beautifully and contributes nutritional value and bright green color.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that helps create sauce consistency and adds depth of flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend providing complex, Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds sharp, salty note and creamy texture.

How to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a pot with water, add salt, and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 2: Prepare Skillet Base

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Create Tomato Sauce

Add ingredients to the skillet:
  • Halved grape tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Italian seasoning

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until tomatoes soften.

Step 5: Cook Seafood and Greens

Add to the skillet:
  • Shrimp
  • Fresh spinach

Lower heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, stirring periodically.

Step 6: Season The Dish

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain pasta and toss with shrimp-tomato mixture. If sauce seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta hot and top with optional garnishes like:
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped herbs

Tips for Perfect Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

  • Maximize Pasta Flavor: Salt your boiling water generously to ensure the pasta absorbs delicious seasoning from the start.
  • Control Shrimp Cooking: Remove shrimp from heat the moment they turn pink and opaque to prevent rubbery, overcooked texture.
  • Enhance Sauce Consistency: Reserve pasta water before draining – its starchy quality helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand.
  • Boost Herb Freshness: Chop fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving to maintain vibrant flavor and bright green color.
  • Balance Seasoning Smartly: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end, since ingredients like chicken broth and parmesan cheese already contribute saltiness.

Storing and Reheating Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the shrimp and pasta separate from any additional garnishes like fresh herbs or parmesan cheese to maintain optimal texture.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water over the top to prevent drying out. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until thoroughly warmed, typically requiring 1-2 minutes total.
  • Stovetop Refresh: Revive cold pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, gently stirring to redistribute sauce and prevent sticking.

Pairing Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta with Wine

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the light, fresh flavors of shrimp and tomatoes. These wines cut through the richness of butter and enhance the dish's delicate seafood notes.
  • Match with Herbal Side Salad: Create a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness. Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley to echo the dish's Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a warm, toasted baguette rubbed with garlic and olive oil. This side perfectly absorbs the flavorful sauce and provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender shrimp and pasta.
  • Add Chilled Pinot Rosé: Opt for a light, refreshing rosé that bridges the gap between white and red wines. Its subtle fruity undertones complement the tomatoes and shrimp without overpowering the meal's delicate flavors.

Creative Variations of Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

  • Mediterranean Marvel: Replace chicken broth with white wine and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that brings coastal freshness to the pasta.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and add a dash of cayenne pepper to create a zesty, heat-packed version of the original recipe.
  • Creamy Coastal Comfort: Blend in heavy cream or cream cheese during the final cooking stage, transforming the light sauce into a rich, velvety texture that coats the pasta and shrimp luxuriously.
  • Low-Carb Ocean Option: Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, maintaining the seafood and vegetable elements while reducing carbohydrate content for health-conscious diners.
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Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta brings elegant simplicity to weeknight dinners. Fresh prawns dance with ripe tomatoes and tender spinach, creating a light yet satisfying meal that whisks you straight to coastal Italian charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked shrimp, thawed and peeled (3140 per pound size)

Starches:

  • 8 ounces (227 grams) uncooked spaghetti

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 10 ounces (284 grams) grape tomatoes, cut into halves
  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Fats and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes (227 grams or ).
  2. In a spacious skillet, combine extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter, heating over medium-high temperature until the butter melts and becomes slightly foamy.
  3. Gently introduce finely chopped garlic into the skillet, sautéing for approximately 30-45 seconds until an aromatic fragrance permeates the kitchen.
  4. Carefully fold halved grape tomatoes into the skillet, complementing them with low-sodium chicken broth and a balanced blend of Italian seasoning. Simmer the mixture, occasionally stirring, for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their natural juices.
  5. Gently add raw shrimp and fresh baby spinach leaves to the skillet, reducing heat to medium. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, ensuring shrimp turn pink and opaque while spinach wilts elegantly.
  6. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your personal taste preferences.
  7. Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving a quarter cup of pasta water. Incorporate the spaghetti into the shrimp-tomato mixture, using reserved water if a more luxurious sauce consistency is desired.
  8. Transfer to warm serving plates, garnishing with freshly grated parmesan cheese or chopped basil leaves for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Shrimp soaks up incredible flavor from garlic-infused butter and olive oil, creating a mouthwatering base for this quick weeknight dinner.
  • Grape tomatoes burst open during cooking, releasing sweet juices that blend perfectly with briny shrimp and tender spinach.
  • Italian seasoning adds depth and complexity, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy pasta dish in just 20 minutes.
  • Pasta water works like magic, helping sauce cling beautifully to noodles and creating silky smooth texture throughout the entire meal.
  • Fresh spinach wilts instantly, adding vibrant green color and nutritional boost while maintaining a delicate, tender texture.
  • Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top provides salty, nutty finish that elevates every single bite of this delectable pasta creation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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