This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is the perfect dish when you're looking for a light yet satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. With juicy grape tomatoes, fresh spinach, succulent shrimp, and a light garlic butter sauce, this dish is packed with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for an elegant weeknight dinner that will please the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you're looking for a dish that's easy, flavorful, and quick to prepare, this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is just what you need. The tender shrimp pairs beautifully with the juicy grape tomatoes, and the garlic butter sauce adds a rich yet light touch. The spinach brings in a healthy green element that balances the dish, and the spaghetti is the perfect base to tie everything together. Plus, it’s made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40/pound size), thawed, peeled, and tails removed if desired
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the halved grape tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, followed by the baby spinach. Reduce heat to medium. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the spinach is wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the mixture with the cooked spaghetti until evenly combined. If the pasta needs more sauce, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs, if desired.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add More Veggies: For added color and nutrition, you can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.
- Different Protein: Swap the shrimp for chicken breast or scallops for a different seafood experience.
Storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or olive oil to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for regular spaghetti.
3. How do I know when shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp turns pink and opaque when it’s fully cooked. Make sure the shrimp is no longer translucent in the center.
4. Can I substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great alternative if you're looking for a vegetarian version.
5. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute spaghetti with penne, linguine, or any pasta you prefer.
6. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well too. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture.
7. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.
8. Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, topping the pasta with Parmesan or a cheese of your choice can enhance the flavor.
9. Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s not spicy by default, but you can add red pepper flakes to spice it up if you like.
10. How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the dish heartier, you can add more shrimp or serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light salad.
Conclusion
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a simple, elegant, and delicious meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. With a rich, light sauce, juicy shrimp, and vibrant veggies, it’s the perfect dish to whip up after a busy day. Whether you’re cooking for a family or hosting a small dinner, this pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Featuring succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, juicy grape tomatoes, and a light garlic butter sauce, it combines Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that will satisfy your taste buds. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a family dinner or elegant gatherings. It's simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and made in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40/pound size), thawed, peeled, and tails removed if desired
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Instructions:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the halved grape tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, followed by the spinach. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the spinach is wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the mixture with the cooked spaghetti until well combined. Add reserved hot pasta water if more sauce is needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For added color and nutrition, consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
