Get ready to fall in love with a bowl of pure comfort: Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce. This vibrant pasta dish is what happens when plump shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and handfuls of fresh spinach come together in a silky, garlicky butter sauce—then get tossed with strands of perfectly cooked pasta. Every forkful bursts with color and flavor, and it all comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave on a busy weeknight but one that’s equally impressive when you want to spoil family and friends. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this recipe is simple, but each ingredient serves a crucial role in creating the irresistible flavors and beautiful colors of this Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce. Think sweet tomatoes, garlicky shrimp, and that butter sauce that ties it all together—here’s what you’ll need.
- Pasta (8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti): Go for long noodles to soak up all that luscious garlic butter sauce.
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh, plump shrimp are the star—try to buy deveined for easier prep.
- Unsalted butter (3 tbsp): Essential for making that silky, savory sauce that unites the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone of our sauce—don’t skimp!
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): They bring bursts of sweetness and gorgeous color.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Bright green spinach adds nutrients and gentle earthiness, and it wilts beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for a creamy, umami-rich finish.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp, optional): For a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Seasoning matters—taste and adjust as you go!
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps cook the shrimp and layers on even more Mediterranean flavor.
- Lemon juice (juice of ½ lemon): Adds brightness to balance all that rich butter and cheese.
- Reserved pasta water (¼ cup): Makes the sauce cling perfectly to every noodle.
How to Make Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine or spaghetti until just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—this will unlock a glossy, restaurant-style sauce later. Set the cooked pasta aside as you move on to shrimp and veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and let them cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes per side. You’re looking for a pretty pink color and slightly curled shape—once done, quickly transfer the shrimp to a plate so they stay juicy and tender.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, turn the heat down a bit and toss in the butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic sizzle and fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma—about a minute is perfect. Next, add those cherry tomatoes and cook just until they begin to soften and release their juices, another 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Wilt
Toss the fresh spinach straight into the skillet. It’ll seem like a lot at first, but as you stir, the spinach will quickly wilt down and become bright green, wrapping itself around the juicy tomatoes and garlicky butter.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return your cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, tossing everything gently until the sauce lightly coats all the noodles. Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle over the Parmesan cheese. Stir in red pepper flakes if you love a hint of heat, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Now, plate it up and serve immediately—the Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce is at its absolute best right out of the skillet!
How to Serve Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce
Garnishes
I love showering this pasta with extra grated Parmesan and a little more cracked black pepper right before serving. Freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves will also add color and a pop of freshness that makes each bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. A simple side salad with mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, and maybe a few shavings of Parmesan keeps things light and cuts through the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try twirling the pasta into neat nests before plating and topping each with a pile of shrimp and tomatoes for a restaurant-worthy look. Or serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl, letting people help themselves—pasta always tastes better when shared!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days—the flavors meld beautifully as they sit, making your next lunch just as exciting as dinner!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for shrimp or fresh spinach, as they can lose their texture, but if you need to, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet and warm the pasta gently over low heat, tossing frequently to revive the sauce and prevent overcooking the shrimp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess water from making the sauce watery and helps the shrimp sear beautifully.
What other vegetables can I add to this pasta?
Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms with the tomatoes for extra color and flavor. The Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce is wonderfully adaptable!
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes—replace the butter with more olive oil and skip the Parmesan, or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce won’t be quite as creamy, but the garlicky, lemony flavors still shine through.
What pasta shapes work best?
Long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine work best, as they hold onto the garlic butter sauce. But honestly, use what’s in your pantry—even penne or rotini will taste fantastic in this Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Simply add more red pepper flakes when you season the sauce, or serve with hot sauce or chili oil on the side for anyone who loves a fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s a joy to cook and eat, you can’t go wrong with Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce. With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and effortless elegance, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite at your table. Give it a try and watch it disappear—there’s nothing quite like sharing a bowl of this pasta with the people you love!
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Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful meal with this Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce. Succulent shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach come together in a luscious buttery sauce, tossed with pasta for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water and drain.
- Cook Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until pink; set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic and butter, add tomatoes, spinach, and cooked shrimp.
- Combine: Add pasta, reserved water, lemon juice, Parmesan, and seasonings. Toss together.
- Serve: Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh, large shrimp for best results.
- For a creamier sauce, add ¼ cup heavy cream with Parmesan.
- Pair with crusty bread and a simple salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
