The Creamiest Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

A mouthwatering tomato spinach shrimp pasta promises an explosion of Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate.

Fresh ingredients combine in a delightful culinary symphony that feels both comforting and elegant.

Succulent shrimp nestle among tender pasta strands, creating a vibrant visual feast.

Emerald spinach leaves add a nutritious punch to this colorful dish.

Ripe tomatoes bring a subtle sweetness that complements the seafood’s delicate texture.

Weeknight dinners never looked this impressive or tasted so incredible.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this restaurant-quality meal.

Why This Shrimp Pasta Recipe Is a Must-Make

• Quickly Craft a Gourmet Meal: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your plate with protein-rich shrimp, iron-loaded spinach, and antioxidant-packed tomatoes for a seriously healthy dinner.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that combines cooking and mixing in a single skillet, saving time and reducing dish washing.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Create a delicious, balanced meal in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for families, professionals, and anyone craving a quick, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients for Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that provides the primary protein source for this pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that creates the hearty backbone of the recipe.

• Tomatoes, Spinach: Fresh produce that adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a burst of garden-fresh flavor to the dish.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, pungent flavor base for the sauce.
• Basil: Fresh herb that adds a bright, herbal note to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and adds a smooth, rich undertone.
• Lemon Juice: Citrus element that brings a tangy brightness to balance the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich cheese that provides a creamy and savory finish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

Instructions for a Quick Shrimp Pasta Dinner

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a vigorous boil. Carefully drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. The pasta should have a slight bite but not be hard or mushy.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Watch for the oil to become shiny and start to shimmer. Toss in the minced garlic and stir quickly. Let the garlic dance in the oil for about 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic magic without burning.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Slide the shrimp into the skillet with the fragrant garlic. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for them to transform into a beautiful pink color with golden edges – a sign they’re perfectly cooked and ready to tantalize your taste buds.

Step 4: Add Fresh Tomatoes

Drop the diced tomatoes into the skillet. Let them bubble and soften, releasing their juicy goodness for about 2 minutes. The tomatoes will start to break down and create a rich, flavorful base for the dish.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Gently fold the fresh spinach leaves into the skillet. Watch as they quickly transform from robust green to a vibrant, wilted state. This should take roughly 1 minute, creating a beautiful, fresh element to the dish.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it directly into the skillet. The hot pasta will soak up all the delicious flavors from the shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach.

Step 7: Season and Toss

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the pasta. Squeeze fresh lemon juice to add a bright, zesty note. Toss everything together, ensuring each strand of pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove the skillet from the heat. Scatter chopped fresh basil leaves over the top, adding a burst of fresh, herbal aroma.

Step 9: Add Cheesy Goodness

Generously sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta. Watch as it melts slightly, creating a creamy, savory finish that brings the entire dish together.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta immediately while it’s piping hot. Ensure each serving has a perfect balance of succulent shrimp, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Smart Tips for Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

• Boost Pasta Perfection: Drain pasta just before it reaches full tenderness, as it continues cooking when mixed with hot ingredients.
• Select Shrimp Smartly: Choose medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation in the final dish.
• Elevate Flavor Depth: Toast garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Quick Wilting Technique: Add spinach leaves last and remove from heat quickly to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice gradually, ensuring the sauce doesn't become too acidic or salty.

Fresh Takes on This Shrimp Pasta Dish

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace parmesan with crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Seafood Splash: Incorporate red pepper flakes, swap basil for cilantro, and add diced jalapeños to create a bold, fiery version of the original recipe.
• Creamy Coastal Classic: Mix in heavy cream and white wine during cooking, then top with additional parmesan and fresh parsley for a richer, more luxurious pasta experience.
• Protein Power Pack: Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or seared scallops, keeping the core vegetable and seasoning elements intact for a versatile protein alternative.

What Goes Best with Shrimp Pasta

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the dish's richness.
• Match Mediterranean Salad: Create a light cucumber and feta salad with olive oil and herbs to enhance the pasta's fresh Mediterranean-style profile.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread with garlic butter to soak up the delicious tomato and shrimp sauce.
• Balance with Citrus Sorbet: Offer a refreshing lemon or orange sorbet as a palate cleanser after the meal, highlighting the dish's bright, tangy notes.

How to Keep Shrimp Pasta Tasting Great

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks, understanding that texture might slightly change upon reheating.
• Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and restore moisture, typically taking 3-4 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery and pasta soggy.

Quick Answers About Shrimp Pasta Prep

• Are shrimp high in protein?

Yes, shrimp are an excellent lean protein source, containing about 24 grams of protein per 100 grams and very low in calories, making them perfect for healthy diets.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw frozen shrimp completely in cold water before cooking, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, and ensure they’re at room temperature before sautéing.

• Is this pasta dish gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or corn, which will work perfectly with the existing ingredients.

• How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe isn’t inherently spicy.

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade tomato spinach shrimp pasta brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to dinner tables with delightful ease. Succulent shrimp nestled among fresh spinach and rich tomato sauce create a quick, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 oz pasta (penne or linguine)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Introduce shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden edge.
5. Incorporate diced tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their juices for 2 minutes.
6. Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the mixture, cooking until they wilt and become vibrant green, approximately 1 minute.
7. Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it directly into the skillet with the shrimp and vegetable mixture.
8. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and lemon juice over the pasta, tossing everything together to ensure even coating.
9. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves.
10. Finish the dish by generously sprinkling grated parmesan cheese over the top, creating a creamy and savory finish.
11. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion has a balanced mix of shrimp, vegetables, and pasta.

Notes

• Opt for jumbo or large shrimp to ensure substantial, meaty bites that complement the pasta perfectly.
• Toast garlic briefly to release aromatic oils without burning, creating a rich foundational flavor for the entire dish.
• Quickly cook shrimp to maintain tender texture, watching for pink color and slight golden edges as doneness indicators.
• Drain pasta just before al dente stage, allowing it to finish cooking in the skillet and absorb maximum flavor from shrimp and vegetable juices.
• Choose fresh spinach leaves for brighter color and more vibrant nutrients compared to frozen alternatives.
• Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its bright, zesty essence and prevent potential bitterness from overcooking.
• Select high-quality parmesan cheese for enhanced depth and authentic Italian-style seasoning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg