This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes is a delightful combination of tender shrimp, sautéed spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. The flavors blend perfectly with the linguine, making it an irresistible dish for any pasta lover.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this shrimp pasta is a winner. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 25 minutes. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for a final touch of indulgence!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water and mix well. If using, stir in the heavy cream for a creamy sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix well to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 475 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Shrimp Pasta
Shrimp pasta is a versatile dish that combines the richness of seafood with the comforting flavors of pasta. It has roots in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, where seafood is often paired with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and olive oil. The simplicity of shrimp pasta allows for endless variations, from creamy Alfredo-style versions to light and refreshing olive oil-based recipes.
This particular dish, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes, takes inspiration from classic Italian pasta recipes but with a modern twist. The garlic butter sauce enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness, while the spinach and tomatoes add a fresh and slightly tangy balance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✔ One-Pan Meal: Uses minimal ingredients and requires only a single skillet.
✔ Rich in Flavor: A delicious combination of garlic, butter, Parmesan, and juicy shrimp.
✔ Customizable: Can be made creamy, spicy, or dairy-free based on preference.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein from shrimp, vitamins from spinach, and fiber from tomatoes.
Tips for Cooking Shrimp Perfectly
Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important not to overcook them. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed if frozen) for optimal flavor and texture.
- Cook shrimp for only 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness.
- If adding shrimp back to a creamy sauce, do so at the very end to prevent overcooking.
Variations & Substitutions
🔹 Make It Creamy: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a luscious sauce.
🔹 Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper.
🔹 Go Dairy-Free: Omit Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
🔹 Use Different Pasta: This dish works well with spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
🔹 Extra Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus for more texture and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes with:
🍷 A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
🥗 A light side salad with balsamic dressing
🥖 A slice of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce
This dish is versatile and works well for a casual family dinner or even a special occasion meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the shrimp separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Reheating:
- Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- If reheating in a microwave, cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent overcooking.
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
1. Shrimp
🦐 Why It’s Great: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like B12 and selenium. It’s low in calories and high in flavor, making it a perfect addition to pasta.
🦐 How to Choose: Look for fresh, wild-caught shrimp when possible. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are properly thawed before cooking.
2. Garlic
🧄 Why It’s Great: Garlic enhances the dish with its aromatic, savory depth. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and heart-health benefits.
3. Spinach
🥬 Why It’s Great: Spinach is packed with iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It adds a mild, slightly earthy flavor that complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
4. Tomatoes (Fresh & Sun-Dried)
🍅 Why It’s Great: Cherry tomatoes add a juicy sweetness, while sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated umami flavor. Tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health.
5. Linguine or Spaghetti
🍝 Why It’s Great: Traditional pasta holds onto the buttery sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful. You can substitute whole wheat, gluten-free, or zucchini noodles for a healthier alternative.
6. Parmesan Cheese
🧀 Why It’s Great: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty richness to the dish, making it even more indulgent. If you prefer a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a great substitute.
Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp Pasta
🔹 Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks in just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
🔹 Use Reserved Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adds extra depth of flavor.
🔹 Enhance the Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Add freshly chopped parsley, basil, or thyme for extra aroma and freshness.
🔹 Make It Creamy (Optional): If you prefer a richer dish, add ½ cup of heavy cream or a splash of coconut milk to create a luxurious sauce.
🔹 Balance the Acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
🔸 Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne for heat.
🔸 Low-Carb Version: Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.
🔸 Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, or brown rice.
🔸 Vegan Version: Swap shrimp for mushrooms, tofu, or artichokes and replace butter with vegan alternatives.
🔸 Extra Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra texture and nutrients.
Pairing Suggestions
🍷 Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay complements the garlicky shrimp and tomatoes beautifully.
🥗 Side Dishes:
- Garlic Bread: A slice of toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.
- Light Salad: A simple side salad with balsamic dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
🛑 Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🧊 Freezing: Shrimp and pasta do not freeze well together. If you must freeze, store the shrimp separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to eat.
🔥 Reheating:
- On the Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- In the Microwave: Cover and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round to prevent overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end of cooking to avoid overcooking and drying them out.
2. What pasta works best with this dish?
Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work well. If you prefer a lighter dish, try zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit of heavy cream, cream cheese, or a cornstarch slurry (½ tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).
5. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for about 15 minutes before cooking.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes is the perfect balance of flavors—savory, buttery, and slightly tangy with the freshness of greens. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this shrimp pasta is a go-to recipe that never disappoints.