If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious pasta dish, this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is your answer! 🍤🍅🌿 It’s packed with juicy shrimp, sautéed garlic, fresh tomatoes, and vibrant spinach, all tossed with pasta in a light and flavorful sauce. The best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something fancy but effortless.
This recipe is restaurant-quality but made at home—rich in flavor, full of protein, and bursting with nutrients. The combination of tender shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and wilted spinach creates a beautifully balanced dish that’s both light and satisfying. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal!
Ingredients for Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
This dish uses simple, fresh ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup (125ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or white wine)
- ½ cup (125ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
This easy shrimp pasta recipe comes together in just a few steps:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Spinach Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes, until they soften and release their juices.
- Add chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything together. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with basil or parsley.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy your Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This shrimp pasta recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to switch things up:
Make it Healthier
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
- Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
- Reduce cheese and add more fresh herbs for a lighter version.
Switch the Protein
- Instead of shrimp, use chicken, salmon, or scallops.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing shrimp with mushrooms or chickpeas.
Adjust the Spice Level
- Love heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Prefer it mild? Leave out the red pepper and use basil instead.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Can You Freeze It?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the shrimp for up to 2 months. Add fresh shrimp when reheating.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What kind of pasta works best?
Long pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine works best to soak up the sauce.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
3. Is this dish very spicy?
It has mild heat from red pepper flakes. Reduce or omit them if needed.
4. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, use diced canned tomatoes, but drain some liquid to avoid excess sauce.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan.
6. What can I serve with this pasta?
- Garlic bread 🥖
- A crisp green salad 🥗
- Roasted vegetables 🥦
7. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but add shrimp at the last minute to avoid overcooking when reheating.
8. How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer for a few extra minutes, or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
9. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
10. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly.
Conclusion
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of fresh, zesty, and creamy flavors. With juicy shrimp, garlic-infused tomatoes, and nutritious spinach, this dish is not just delicious but also quick and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this pasta is sure to impress!
🔥 Love seafood? Try pairing this with Garlic Butter Shrimp or Homemade Garlic Bread for the ultimate meal!