Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant, one-pan meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors. Juicy shrimp, sautéed garlic, tender spinach, and sweet tomatoes come together with pasta in a light, savory sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners, yet elegant enough for entertaining.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
shrimp (peeled and deveined)olive oilgarliccherry tomatoesfresh spinachcrushed red pepper flakes (optional)salt and pepperpenne or linguine pastaParmesan cheese (optional)lemon juice
directions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Toss in the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté cherry tomatoes until they start to blister and release their juices.
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
Return the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
Squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Add a splash of white wine or heavy cream to the sauce for added richness.
Include sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra depth of flavor.
Top with fresh basil or parsley for a herbal note.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely—Parmesan or feta are both great additions.
What pasta works best?
Penne, linguine, or spaghetti are ideal, but any pasta shape can work.
Is this dish spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, but drain them slightly for better texture.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheese.
How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?
Watch them closely and remove as soon as they turn pink.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, just warm them briefly at the end to avoid rubbery texture.
What can I substitute for spinach?
Try kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
Can this be made ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance.
Conclusion
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that brings together seafood, greens, and pasta in a satisfying, colorful meal. Ideal for busy nights or special dinners, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
PrintTomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, tender spinach, and juicy tomatoes in a light garlic‑tomato sauce—perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian‑inspired
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook until pink and opaque, about 1–2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to soften and release juices, about 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in white wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted.
- Stir in cooked pasta, shrimp, lemon zest and juice, Parmesan, and a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook another minute until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if using.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream with the sauce.
- Add more veggies—like sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms—for added color and flavor.
- Make it gluten‑free by using gluten‑free pasta.
- Make it dairy‑free by omitting Parmesan or using a dairy‑free substitute.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—add a splash of water or broth when reheating to moisten.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg