If you are craving a dish that sings with fresh flavors and comes together quickly, then this Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect harmony of succulent shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, and vibrant spinach, all tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that wraps every strand of pasta in pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe hits all the right notes with balanced textures and a bright, satisfying taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. You don’t need a cabinet full of exotic items to make a memorable meal. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta to soak up that garlicky butter sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: These are the star protein, providing a sweet, tender bite.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the silky garlic butter sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Gives a lovely depth of flavor and helps with sautéing the shrimp and garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and essential flavor punch.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of sweetness and a pop of bright red color make the dish visually inviting.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds freshness, a pleasing green contrast, and subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat to balance the buttery sauce.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and pasta adequately.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides gentle warmth and depth.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A nutty finishing touch with umami richness.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, herbal garnish to brighten the plate.
- Optional squeeze of lemon juice: Introduces light acidity to balance the butter.
How to Make Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s just al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid will help marry your sauce and pasta beautifully later on.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted and shimmering, add the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn a lovely pink and become opaque. This quick cook ensures they remain juicy and tender. Remove the shrimp to a plate to rest while you build your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant and golden, which takes about one minute. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and, if you like heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Let the tomatoes soften gently in the butter, roughly 2 to 3 minutes—you’ll notice their juices start to sweeten and mingle with the garlic.
Step 4: Add Spinach
Next, stir in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step infuses the sauce with vibrant color and an earthy note, creating a beautiful contrast with the bright tomatoes and shrimp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add your drained pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta gets thoroughly coated in that irresistible garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels a bit thick or sticky, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it nicely—this trick helps the sauce cling seamlessly to every bite.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle over the grated Parmesan cheese if you’re using it, letting it melt slightly into the warm pasta. Then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of herbaceous freshness. A little squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a wonderful brightness to finish the dish perfectly. Serve immediately to enjoy every flavor at its peak.
How to Serve Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley are a classic choice, adding color and lightness. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some finely grated Parmesan. A simple lemon wedge on the side can also brighten each bite if your guests want a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This vibrant pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light caprese salad also complement this meal without overpowering its fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating the pasta in shallow bowls, layering the shrimp on top along with a few cherry tomato halves and extra parsley. Drizzle a little olive oil or an extra squeeze of lemon juice across the dish for a restaurant-quality finish that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because shrimp can become tough if reheated too long, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe to keep its delicate texture intact.
Freezing
This Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe doesn’t freeze very well because seafood and fresh greens can lose texture and flavor. It’s best to prepare fresh or store leftovers in the fridge rather than the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the shrimp and wilt the spinach further, impacting the dish’s fresh quality.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t steam in the pan.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Long, thin pasta like linguine or fettuccine works best as it tosses easily and picks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully, but spaghetti is a great option too.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the butter and Parmesan and use olive oil exclusively. You can also add a touch of nutritional yeast if you want a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. Including 1/2 teaspoon gives a gentle warmth, but feel free to skip or add more based on your preference.
What’s the best way to add extra flavor?
Fresh garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end really elevate the flavors. Don’t rush the garlic step—letting it cook slowly until fragrant brings depth and richness that’s key in this Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is truly one of those go-to meals that feels like a treat while still being simple enough for a busy weeknight. Its balance of buttery richness, fresh veggies, and tender shrimp makes it a joyful plate to share with family and friends. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a staple you keep coming back to time and again.
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Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delicious shrimp tomato spinach pasta cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy and flavorful dish combines tender shrimp, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and al dente pasta tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Finishing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish if using, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and add an optional squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use any long pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti for this recipe.
- Peel and devein shrimp can be cooked with tails on or off depending on preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for a mild flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce for better coating and texture.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory finish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon juice for added freshness.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
