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Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe

4.3 from 76 reviews

A vibrant and healthy Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with succulent sautéed shrimp, fresh spinach, and burst cherry tomatoes in a light, flavorful sauce enhanced by garlic, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lemon (for zest and juice)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Rinse the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes under cold water. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Chop the fresh parsley and zest the lemon to be used later.
  2. Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use.
  3. Making the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Adding Vegetables: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes begin to burst, about 2 minutes.
  5. Seasoning: Season the shrimp and vegetable mixture with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine and let the flavors meld.
  6. Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and vegetable sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
  7. Finishing Touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta and sprinkle with lemon zest. Toss once more to blend all flavors evenly.
  8. Serving: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a bright and appealing presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
  • You can substitute the pasta type with gluten-free options if desired.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • Serve immediately for the best taste and texture of the spinach and shrimp.

Keywords: shrimp pasta, spinach pasta, tomato pasta, seafood pasta, easy dinner, quick shrimp recipe, healthy pasta, garlic shrimp, lemon pasta