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 (31–40 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
- 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 ).
- 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.
- Gently introduce finely chopped garlic into the skillet, sautéing for approximately 30-45 seconds until an aromatic fragrance permeates the kitchen.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your personal taste preferences.
- 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.
- 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