Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

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Introduction

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a light garlic and white wine sauce. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender shrimp, wholesome spinach, and the sweetness of ripe tomatoes makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.


The shrimp are cooked to tender perfection, absorbing the flavors of the sauce while staying juicy and flavorful. The spinach wilts beautifully in the garlic-infused sauce, adding both color and a burst of nutrients. The tomatoes provide a fresh, sweet contrast, while the pasta soaks up all the delicious sauce for a satisfying bite in every forkful.


What I love most about this dish is how it brings together the best of both light and indulgent flavors. The garlic and white wine sauce is aromatic yet subtle, letting the fresh ingredients shine without being too heavy. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Date nights
  • Family gatherings
  • Seafood lovers
  • Light but satisfying meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is sure to become a favorite:

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
  • Flavorful & Fresh: A delightful mix of garlic, fresh tomatoes, spinach, and shrimp.
  • Light Yet Filling: The dish is light but filling, making it perfect for any occasion.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice, swap ingredients, or add more veggies.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, so it’s great for lunch the next day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Fiber

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Pasta:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: Sweet, tender shrimp adds protein and flavor to the dish.
  • Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the dish a burst of color and nutrients.
  • Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes add juiciness and brightness to the pasta.
  • White Wine: Adds depth to the sauce with a hint of acidity, enhancing the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta:

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:

  1. Sauté Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.

Combine the Ingredients:

  1. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  2. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the shrimp. Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta.

Finish and Serve:

  1. Add Lemon and Season: Stir in the lemon juice and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  2. Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve

Here’s how to serve your Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta:

  • With a Side Salad: Pair the pasta with a light side salad, such as a Caesar or mixed greens salad.
  • With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • On Its Own: This dish is satisfying on its own, packed with protein and veggies.
  • For a Lighter Version: Use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles to reduce carbs.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to perfect your Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta:

  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it. It should only be cooked until pink and opaque.
  • Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts better and has a more vibrant flavor than frozen spinach.
  • Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Substitute with Other Veggies: You can swap the spinach for kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

Try these fun variations of Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta:

  • Creamy Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta: Add heavy cream or mascarpone to the tomato sauce for a rich, creamy texture. You can also sprinkle in Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
  • Lemon Garlic Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta: Add fresh lemon juice and zest along with extra garlic for a bright, zesty flavor. This version works well with a touch of white wine to balance the acidity.
  • Spicy Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick. You can also include a dash of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Pesto Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta: Stir in some fresh basil pesto into the sauce for a herby, aromatic twist. It adds richness and depth of flavor.
  • Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta with Bacon: Add crispy bacon or pancetta for extra flavor and crunch. The saltiness of the bacon complements the shrimp and spinach beautifully.
  • Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for an intense, slightly tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fresh tomatoes and spinach.
  • Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta with Artichokes: Add marinated artichoke hearts to the mix for a Mediterranean touch. The tangy artichokes pair well with the shrimp and spinach.
  • Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta with Feta Cheese: Crumble feta cheese on top for a salty, creamy contrast. The tanginess of feta enhances the flavors of the tomatoes and spinach.
  • Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta with Coconut Milk: Replace some of the tomato sauce with coconut milk for a tropical, slightly sweet flavor. The creamy coconut milk pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
  • Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta with Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Mushrooms bring an umami richness that complements the lightness of the shrimp and the freshness of the spinach.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: While fresh pasta dishes don’t freeze perfectly, you can freeze the shrimp, sauce, and cooked pasta separately for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.
  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Special Equipment

Here are some tools that will help you prepare Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta:

  • Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A large skillet is ideal for making the sauce and combining everything.
  • Colander: For draining the pasta and reserving pasta water.
  • Tongs or Pasta Spoon: For tossing the pasta with the sauce and shrimp.
  • Garlic Press: For mincing garlic quickly and evenly.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
    Yes, thaw the shrimp completely before using. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture when cooking.
  2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    Absolutely! You can substitute any pasta you like, such as fettuccine, farfalle, or penne.
  3. Is this dish spicy?
    No, this dish is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes to adjust the heat level to your liking.
  4. Can I make this gluten-free?
    Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  5. What if I don’t have white wine?
    You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you don’t have white wine.

Conclusion

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a fresh and flavorful dish that comes together in no time. With juicy shrimp, vibrant spinach, and sweet tomatoes, all tossed in a light yet rich garlic sauce, this pasta is both satisfying and healthy.

Perfect for busy nights or whenever you crave something delicious and easy, Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta offers the perfect balance of flavors. The light garlic sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and tomatoes, while the spinach adds a healthy, vibrant touch.

Give it a try, and you’ll have a meal that’s both comforting and light! Don’t forget to snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creation.

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