This shrimp pasta with tomato and spinach is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, the freshness of the spinach, and the richness of the Parmesan cheese come together in a harmonious bite that everyone will enjoy.
The simplicity of the ingredients makes this dish perfect for a busy weeknight but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted with different veggies or pasta shapes, depending on what you have on hand. The creamy sauce is indulgent, yet light enough to keep you coming back for more.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
This Shrimp Pasta with Tomato and Spinach is a flavorful and quick dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends and family. The combination of shrimp, fresh spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes in a creamy garlic sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that’s both satisfying and comforting.
The Ingredients:
- Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of the show in this dish. They’re naturally sweet and tender, and they cook quickly, making them ideal for fast recipes. Rich in protein and low in calories, shrimp is a great addition to any balanced meal.
- Pasta: We used spaghetti for this dish, but any type of pasta, like fettuccine or penne, would work just as well. Pasta acts as the perfect vehicle to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, flavor, and a nutritional boost to the dish. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, making this meal healthy as well as delicious.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, complementing the shrimp and spinach perfectly. As they cook down, they release their juices, adding even more flavor to the sauce.
- Cream & Parmesan Cheese: The heavy cream creates a luscious base for the sauce, and the Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness. Together, they make the sauce creamy and flavorful without being too heavy.
How to Customize:
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. If you’re looking to make it lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. For those who like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to spice things up.
You can also try using other vegetables in place of spinach, such as kale or arugula. For an even richer flavor, sauté the shrimp with a bit of lemon zest or a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink to avoid them becoming rubbery.
- Save Pasta Water: Reserve some of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to help it cling to the pasta better.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating your own Parmesan cheese will give the dish a fresher, more intense flavor than pre-grated cheese.
This creamy shrimp pasta is simple to prepare, yet it tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick but delicious or for impressing guests with a meal that’s easy to prepare yet full of flavor. Whether served as a main course or as a side, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a busy weeknight. The shrimp cook quickly, and the pasta is ready in no time, so you’ll have a delicious meal on the table without any hassle.
- Healthy Ingredients: Shrimp is an excellent source of protein and low in fat, making it a great addition to any healthy diet. Spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals, while tomatoes provide a burst of antioxidants.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp and vegetables. The sweetness of the tomatoes balances out the richness of the sauce, adding a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Customizable: One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. You can swap out the spinach for other leafy greens like kale or arugula, and you can use any type of pasta you prefer. You can even add in extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a more substantial dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a cozy dinner party, this shrimp pasta is the perfect choice. It’s light enough for a casual meal but flavorful and elegant enough to serve at a dinner gathering. The vibrant colors from the spinach and tomatoes make the dish visually appealing, and the creamy texture makes it comforting and satisfying.
Pro Tips:
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: While frozen shrimp are convenient, fresh shrimp will elevate the flavor of this dish. Make sure to properly devein and peel the shrimp before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to remove it from the pan as soon as it turns pink to avoid overcooking it and making it tough.
- Save Some Pasta Water: The starchy water from the pasta can be added to the sauce to help it adhere better to the noodles, giving the dish a more cohesive texture.
Variations to Try:
- Vegan Version: For a dairy-free or vegan option, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk, and use a plant-based cheese substitute.
- Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to make the dish even more colorful and nutrient-packed.
- Lemon Zest: Adding a little lemon zest to the sauce will brighten up the dish and give it a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Perfect Pairings:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and vibrant colors, Shrimp Pasta with Tomato and Spinach is sure to become a regular on your dinner menu. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s packed with nutrients and big on flavor, and it’s perfect for any night of the week.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Pasta with Tomato and Spinach is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender shrimp, fresh spinach, sweet tomatoes, and a creamy garlic sauce, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. You can easily customize it with different veggies or pasta, and the creamy, rich sauce makes it a comforting favorite. Try it today for a delicious meal that’s both simple and elegant!