Name: Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s equally impressive and uncomplicated, Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta fits the bill beautifully. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp nestled in perfectly cooked spaghetti, with sweet grape tomatoes and vibrant spinach coming together in a buttery, garlicky sauce. Every component plays its part: the pasta offers comfort, the seafood adds elegance, and the veggies pop with color and freshness. This is the kind of dish you’ll turn to again and again for weeknight meals and special occasions alike!

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is refreshingly short, but each item is essential for building flavor and creating an irresistible plate of pasta. From pantry staples to fresh elements, you’ll quickly see how simple it is to transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

Spaghetti: The classic noodle acts as the satisfying foundation that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Shrimp: Choose medium-sized (31-40 per pound) shrimp for the perfect bite; make sure they’re peeled and thawed for easy preparation.
Olive Oil: Adds a fruity, peppery undertone that enhances both the shrimp and veggies.
Butter: Lends richness and a glossy finish to the sauce, balancing the olive oil.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with warmth and aromatic depth—use extra if you’re a garlic lover!
Grape Tomatoes: These sweet, juicy gems burst as they cook, creating a naturally luscious sauce base.
Chicken Broth: A splash of broth helps deglaze the pan and adds savoriness, rounding out the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: This classic herb blend gives a nod to Mediterranean flavors, tying each bite together.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Wilts quickly and melds beautifully with the hot pasta, adding nutrition and bright green color.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Draining the pasta and setting it aside is key—don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the hot pasta water, which will help you adjust your sauce’s consistency later if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil & Butter

While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt together the olive oil and butter—this combo gives you the best of both worlds in terms of flavor and texture. Once hot, stir in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic softened and fragrant, not browned, since this is where the base of flavor begins.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes & Build the Sauce

Next, add the halved grape tomatoes to the skillet along with the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. The tomatoes should start to soften and release their sweet juices after about five minutes. As they break down, they create a lovely, light sauce with a subtle herbal backdrop, making this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta especially bright and colorful.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp and Spinach

It’s time for the stars of this recipe! Add the thawed shrimp and fresh spinach directly to the skillet. Lower the heat to medium and give everything a gentle stir. Within about five minutes, your shrimp will turn a pretty pink and your spinach will have wilted into silky green ribbons that hug the pasta beautifully. There’s no better way to sneak more greens onto your plate than with a dish this good.

Step 5: Season and Toss Everything Together

Taste your sauce and give it a good pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting as needed. Return your cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it with the shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach until every strand is coated in deliciousness. If your pasta looks a bit dry, drizzle in some of that reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauciness. Serve the Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta immediately while it’s steamy and vibrant.

How to Serve Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan brings a salty, creamy element, while snipped fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a burst of green and a peppery kick. Even a drizzle of good olive oil amps up the luxury. Let each person garnish their bowl for a fun, interactive feel at the dinner table.

Side Dishes

Keep sides light and complementary so the Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta remains the main attraction. Think a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or toasty garlic bread for scooping up extra sauce. If you want something heartier, a side of roasted vegetables or a simple bruschetta is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation takes this already stellar pasta over the top. Try serving individual portions in shallow bowls with the shrimp artfully arranged on top. For a rustic touch, pile it high on a large platter and let everyone help themselves. For date night, twirl portions using tongs and stand a few shrimp upright for restaurant-style flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta, let it cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. Enjoy within 2-3 days for best taste and texture, as the shrimp and veggies will begin to lose their vibrancy over time.

Freezing

While many shrimp dishes can be tricky to freeze, this recipe will hold up if you need to prepare ahead. Portion the cooled pasta and sauce into freezer-friendly bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to one month. Note: The texture of the shrimp and spinach may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains delicious.

Reheating

To reheat Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta, add a splash of chicken broth or water to a skillet and warm gently over medium-low heat. Stir frequently just until heated through. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as shrimp can become tough. Individual servings can be warmed in the microwave in 30-second bursts if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and fantastic, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, penne, or even a gluten-free noodle of your choice. Adjust the cooking time as needed for your chosen pasta.

How do I make this dish spicier?

If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing. This adds a subtle kick without overpowering the delicate flavors of the Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta.

Can I substitute frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach is a great alternative—just be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the skillet. This keeps your sauce from becoming too watery and preserves the robust flavors.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth is a perfect substitute if you want your Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta to be pescatarian or vegetarian (if skipping the shrimp, too). Even a splash of white wine adds wonderful complexity and aroma.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

While Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta tastes best fresh, it does reheat well for lunches or quick dinners. Store individual servings, and add a bit of broth or water to revive the sauce when warming up leftovers.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to dig into this Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta as I am to share it with you! It’s a dish that brings together so many wonderful flavors and textures with minimal effort—perfect for busy nights or when you want to treat yourself. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself keeping these ingredients on hand just to whip it up whenever the craving strikes!

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and sweet grape tomatoes tossed with spaghetti in a garlicky butter sauce.

Instructions

Boil the pasta: Cook the spaghetti al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Cook the sauce: Add tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook until tomatoes soften.
Add shrimp and spinach: Add shrimp and spinach to the skillet. Cook until shrimp are pink and spinach is wilted.
Combine and season: Season with salt and pepper. Toss with cooked spaghetti. Add pasta water if needed.
Serve: Garnish with Parmesan or herbs and serve hot.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding red pepper flakes for heat or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their juicy texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian