Quick Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Creamy garlic butter sauce transforms this shrimp tomato spinach pasta into a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the elegant simplicity of combining tender shrimp with vibrant vegetables.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with each delectable bite.

Fresh spinach adds a nutritious green backdrop to succulent pink shrimp.

Robust tomatoes provide unexpected bursts of tangy sweetness throughout the dish.

Butter and garlic create a luxurious coating that makes every forkful irresistibly smooth.

Come savor this quick and impressive dinner that feels like a gourmet escape.

Why Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Works

• Speedster Cooking: Prepare a gourmet meal in just minutes with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines zesty shrimp, vibrant tomatoes, and tender spinach in a rich garlic butter sauce that packs a punch of Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from shrimp, vitamins from spinach, and a balanced mix of ingredients that make this dish both delicious and wholesome.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes, streamlined cooking process, and easy cleanup make this recipe a dream for home cooks looking to minimize kitchen mess and maximize flavor.

Ingredients for Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta Dish

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a tender and succulent protein base for the pasta dish.

• Pasta: Classic base ingredient that serves as the foundation of the recipe.

• Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh green leaves that add nutritional value and vibrant color to the dish.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Ingredients that provide depth of flavor and subtle heat to the sauce.

• Basil, Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Fresh herbs and cheese that enhance the final flavor and provide a beautiful garnish.

• Olive Oil, Butter, Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: Liquid ingredients that create a rich and tangy garlic butter sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Prepare Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a spacious pot with water and sprinkle salt generously. Bring water to a rolling boil and add pasta.

Cook according to package guidelines until tender yet firm. Scoop out a half cup of starchy water before draining pasta.

Set pasta aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss shrimp into the pan with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook shrimp rapidly, flipping after 2-3 minutes until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become translucent.

Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Saute Vibrant Vegetables

In the same skillet, drizzle remaining olive oil and add minced garlic.

Quickly saute garlic until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst and soften.

Gently fold in spinach leaves and cook until they wilt and become tender.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour chicken broth or white wine into the skillet.

Add butter and let it melt completely. Simmer the liquid for two minutes, stirring continuously.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce for brightness.

Step 5: Combine Delicious Components

Return cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Add drained pasta and toss everything together, ensuring each strand is coated with the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems thick, splash in reserved pasta water to create a silkier texture.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Serve immediately while steaming hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Tips to Make Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta Perfect

• Pat shrimp dry before sautéing to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Save pasta water as a secret weapon to create a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Chop fresh basil or parsley right before serving to maximize flavor and add a vibrant, aromatic touch to the dish.
• Modify red pepper flakes quantity to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot.
• Replace shrimp with chicken or white fish for an easy alternative that maintains the recipe's delicious garlic butter sauce profile.

Flavor Variations for Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken and add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Swap shrimp for a mixed seafood blend like scallops and calamari, and increase red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Substitute shrimp with roasted chickpeas or white beans, add zucchini and bell peppers for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
• Creamy Alfredo Style: Transform the sauce by mixing in heavy cream and cream cheese, creating a richer, more indulgent pasta experience.

Best Pairings for Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta

• Pair Wine with Zesty Seafood: Choose a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the garlic butter sauce and cut through the richness of shrimp.
• Create Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the pasta's creamy texture and add a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Enhance Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce and provide a crunchy textural element to the meal.
• Match Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley not just as a garnish, but as a vibrant flavor booster that adds brightness and aromatic complexity to the shrimp pasta dish.

How to Store Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta Properly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep the pasta and sauce separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently to redistribute sauce and heat evenly.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium or large raw shrimp are ideal. Peeled and deveined shrimp save preparation time and ensure even cooking.

• Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent steaming instead of sautéing.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so cook just until they change color, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta In Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp tomato spinach pasta dances with rich garlic butter sauce, creating Mediterranean magic on your plate. Effortless elegance meets quick comfort, inviting home cooks to savor each twirling, flavor-packed bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 14 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 12 teaspoon salt
• 14 teaspoon black pepper
• 14 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
• Juice of 12 lemon

Garnish and Finishing:

• 14 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook pasta until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully extract 1/2 cup pasta water before draining, then set aside.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce shrimp seasoned with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink and become translucent. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, add remaining olive oil and introduce minced garlic. Swiftly saute for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors. Incorporate cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften and blister. Gently fold in spinach, allowing it to wilt completely.
4. Stream chicken broth and butter into the skillet. Allow mixture to simmer for 2 minutes, whisking continuously to create a harmonious blend. Finish with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
5. Reintroduce cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add drained pasta and thoroughly coat with the luxurious sauce. If the consistency seems thick, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve a silky texture.
6. Elevate the dish by generously sprinkling grated Parmesan and freshly chopped herbs. Present immediately while piping hot, ready to delight taste buds.

Notes

• Swap pasta types easily by using gluten-free or whole wheat options to match dietary needs.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for milder palates.
• Choose sustainable or locally sourced shrimp to enhance recipe’s environmental friendliness.
• Quick-cooking technique ensures tender shrimp without becoming rubbery, so watch cooking time carefully.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 435 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg