The perfect fusion of juicy shrimp, baby spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes comes together in this irresistible Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta. Coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce and sprinkled with fresh Parmesan, it’s an indulgent yet simple dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is made entirely at home.
This pasta delivers vibrant color, bold flavor, and wholesome satisfaction in every bite. It’s great for entertaining guests or preparing a quick and comforting weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, this one-pan recipe delivers elegance without the hassle.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 cups baby spinach
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
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Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and blister, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, letting the sauce thicken slightly, 2-3 minutes.
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Return the shrimp to the pan and stir in the cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
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Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
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Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 475 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta: A Weeknight Gourmet Delight
Creamy pasta dishes never go out of style, and when paired with succulent shrimp, fresh baby spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes, the result is a meal that’s both indulgent and wholesome. This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a delicious, restaurant-quality recipe you can effortlessly prepare in your home kitchen within 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting friends or cooking for your family, this dish is the perfect solution to satisfy cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Story Behind the Dish
This recipe is inspired by coastal Italian flavors, where seafood and fresh vegetables are everyday staples. It fuses the lightness of sautéed shrimp with the richness of cream and Parmesan, balanced by the tangy brightness of cherry tomatoes and the earthy tones of spinach. It’s perfect for spring and summer when you’re craving something fresh, yet comforting. Over the years, this dish has become a go-to for many home cooks who want to impress without the stress.
What truly makes this recipe shine is its versatility. You can tweak it according to your pantry or dietary needs. Swap out the heavy cream for a lighter alternative, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, or bulk it up with extra vegetables. The flavors remain rich, vibrant, and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
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Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights. From prep to plate in just 30 minutes.
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One-Pan Wonder: Uses minimal cookware for easy cleanup.
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Customizable: Works with various types of pasta, dairy alternatives, and add-ins.
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Balanced Flavors: Creamy, savory, fresh, and slightly zesty from lemon and tomatoes.
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High Protein: A great source of lean protein from shrimp.
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Elegant but Approachable: Feels gourmet but made with accessible ingredients.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Shrimp
Shrimp are the star protein in this recipe. They’re fast-cooking, high in protein, and offer a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces. Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation. Make sure to devein and peel them beforehand.
Pasta
Linguine or fettuccine work well here, but you can use any pasta you like. Short varieties like penne or farfalle will catch the sauce in their ridges. For healthier options, consider whole wheat, chickpea-based, or gluten-free pasta.
Spinach
Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and blends seamlessly into the sauce, adding a pop of color and nutrients like iron, magnesium, and fiber.
Cherry Tomatoes
These add acidity and a burst of freshness that cuts through the creaminess of the sauce. Blistering them in the skillet enhances their natural sweetness.
Garlic & Butter
The foundation of the flavor. Butter brings richness, and garlic infuses every bite with aromatic warmth. Together, they create a cozy, comforting base.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan Cheese
The heavy cream creates the velvety texture, while Parmesan adds umami depth and saltiness. This combo binds all the ingredients into a luscious sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
For those who like a little heat, a small amount of red pepper flakes adds just the right kick without overpowering the dish.
Lemon Juice
Don’t skip this, lemon brightens up the entire dish and cuts through the cream, making it taste fresher and lighter.
Parsley
Fresh chopped parsley adds color and a final herbal flourish. It’s optional but highly recommended.
Pairing Suggestions
Wine:
A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this dish. The citrusy and crisp notes in the wine complement the cream sauce and seafood perfectly.
Side Dishes:
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A side of crusty garlic bread to mop up the sauce
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A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Roasted asparagus or green beans with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt
Dessert:
Keep it simple with a fruit sorbet or a lemon tart to round out the meal without feeling too heavy.
How to Customize
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Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy dimension.
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Use Scallops or Chicken: If you don’t have shrimp, scallops or sliced grilled chicken breast also work well.
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Go Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
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Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for more texture and nutrition.
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Add White Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic for extra depth.
Cooking Tips
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Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They should be pink and just opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
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Save Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor.
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Serve Immediately: This pasta is best served hot and fresh. The sauce thickens as it sits.
Nutritional Benefits
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Protein-Rich: Shrimp provides lean protein without the saturated fat of red meat.
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Low in Sugar: This meal doesn’t rely on processed ingredients or added sugars.
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Vegetable-Focused: Spinach and tomatoes bring vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and antioxidants.
This dish is a wonderful way to introduce more seafood into your diet while still enjoying a rich and comforting meal. It’s also relatively low in calories for a creamy pasta, making it a great choice for those who are health-conscious but still want to indulge in a flavorful dinner.
Conclusion
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is more than just a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a balanced, flavorful, and versatile dish that appeals to seafood lovers and pasta fans alike. The harmony of creamy garlic sauce, tender shrimp, sweet tomatoes, and vibrant spinach creates a taste experience that’s both elegant and satisfying. It’s a dish you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a special meal at home.
With simple pantry staples and a bit of culinary magic, this pasta brings gourmet flair to your everyday cooking. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s become a staple for so many home cooks. Happy cooking!