If you are craving a dish that brings together fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious sauce, this Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It combines succulent shrimp with juicy cherry tomatoes and tender spinach, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s both comforting and bright. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe balances quick weeknight convenience with restaurant-quality flavors to delight everyone around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each add their own magic—whether it’s the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the garlicky depth of butter and olive oil, or the delicate pop of spinach. Every single component works beautifully to create a dish that’s satisfying and full of color.
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti: Your preferred pasta type provides the perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender, juicy shrimp bring protein and a hint of ocean freshness.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness that makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté ingredients smoothly while adding a fruity layer.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with unforgettable aroma and warmth.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bring vibrant color and a gentle sweetness that balances the dish.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: The spinach wilts down to add earthiness and nutrients without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat that wakes up the palate, if you like a bit of spice.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the dish.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle sharpness and depth.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Offers a savory, umami finish that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Lifts the presentation with a fresh, herbal brightness.
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice: Adds a burst of acidity for brightness and balance.
How to Make Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking your pasta until just al dente means it will have the perfect bite and won’t get mushy when tossed with the sauce later. Be sure to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining – that starchy water is pure gold for loosening and binding the sauce in the final step.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and opaque – no one likes rubbery shrimp! Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside to keep their lovely texture intact.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about one minute, being careful not to burn it. Then toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and optional red pepper flakes, cooking just long enough for the tomatoes to soften and release their sweet juices.
Step 4: Add Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves start to wilt but still retain their vibrant green color. This step adds freshness and a wonderful texture contrast against the juicy tomatoes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the noodles generously in the garlicky butter sauce. If it feels too thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water a splash at a time to create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every bite.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like an extra layer of savory flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the whole dish. Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp tomato spinach pasta in garlic butter sauce at its absolute best.
How to Serve Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil really elevate this dish, adding a pop of aromatic greenery that complements the rich sauce. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano intensifies the savory profile. If you love a little zing, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper or a delicate drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can be delightful touches.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance its richness. Consider a crisp mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers can add even more color and texture to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with a sprig of parsley and an additional wedge of lemon on the side. A rustic wooden board lined with lemon slices and extra Parmesan cheese creates an inviting communal feel. Turn it into a family-style feast by keeping the skillet on the table and letting everyone help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This shrimp tomato spinach pasta in garlic butter sauce will keep well for up to 2 days. Try to eat it soon to enjoy the shrimp’s tender texture and the freshness of spinach before it fades.
Freezing
Because shrimp can become rubbery after freezing and reheating, freezing this dish is not the best option. If you want to freeze, consider cooking only the pasta separately without the shrimp and spinach, then combine fresh ingredients after thawing for maximum flavor and quality.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This will help maintain the creamy texture without drying out the shrimp or pasta. Avoid overheating, as it can toughen the shrimp and wilt the spinach beyond tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that can affect the sauce’s consistency.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes for a little heat, but you can easily leave them out if you prefer a milder taste.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh spinach?
You can use baby kale or Swiss chard in a pinch, but reduce cooking time slightly to avoid toughness. Frozen spinach is not ideal as it tends to release too much water.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti all work well. Choose your favorite shape to match your textural preference.
Could I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be sautéed along with the tomatoes for extra flavor, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is a delightful celebration of flavor and simplicity. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or when entertaining friends. With quick prep and bold, fresh tastes, it’s a standout meal that never fails to impress. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with every buttery, garlicky bite!
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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
This Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it offers a perfect balance of protein and veggies tossed with tender pasta, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 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 the package instructions until al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they 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 of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Add Spinach: Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked pasta as well, and toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, 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 pasta if using and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if desired. Serve the pasta immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use any long pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred level of spiciness or omit for no heat.
- Keep the pasta water reserved to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick when tossing.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the butter and Parmesan cheese and use olive oil only.
- Make sure to not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
