If you are craving a vibrant, comforting, and downright delicious meal, look no further than this Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe. It perfectly combines succulent shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed with tender pasta all cloaked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. This dish feels fresh and indulgent at the same time, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special date night, it’s bound to become a favorite that you’ll reach for time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity; each ingredient plays a special role in bringing together the perfect balance of taste, color, and texture. From the sweet shrimp to the vibrant spinach, these straightforward ingredients create a dish that looks as amazing as it tastes.
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti: Choose your favorite long pasta for the perfect sauce cling and bite.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp will add a tender, slightly sweet seafood flavor.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, rich base for the garlic butter sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a fruity note and helps cook the shrimp and garlic gently.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic backbone of the sauce, infusing every mouthful.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Offers earthiness and a tender contrast to the shrimp.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle kick of heat.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Brings a nutty, savory finishing touch.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the plate with fresh herbaceous notes.
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice: Gives a fresh, tangy lift right before serving.
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 the pasta al dente is crucial—it should have a slight firmness to complement the tender shrimp and silky sauce. After cooking for about 10 to 12 minutes, save 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining your pasta. This reserved water will be your secret weapon to loosen the sauce later and help everything meld perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—just right for that plump, juicy texture. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. The pan will still hold wonderful flavor that will infuse the next steps.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, around one minute—don’t let it brown, or it will taste bitter. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using, then sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their sweetness. This simple sauce is already bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Stir the chopped spinach into the skillet, cooking just until it wilts down, about 1 to 2 minutes. This adds a lovely green freshness and a delicate texture that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and shrimp.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add your al dente pasta and toss everything together so the noodles get evenly coated with the luscious garlic butter sauce. If it feels a little dry, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create that silky consistency we all dream about in a pasta dish.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired, letting it melt slightly into the warm pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of herbal brightness and add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten all the rich flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy this glorious Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe at its freshest and most flavorful.
How to Serve Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is traditional, but you could also try basil or chives for a unique twist. A light dusting of Parmesan or a few lemon zest shavings adds extra layers of flavor and elevates the dish’s visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines beautifully as a stand-alone meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables rounds out the plate. The contrast in textures and flavors from lighter, crunchy sides takes the meal to the next level.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the pasta family-style in a large, shallow bowl with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges on the side. If you want to impress at a dinner party, plate individual portions with a sprig of parsley on top and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil for shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to keep the shrimp tender and the spinach fresh. Before storing, avoid adding the Parmesan garnish—add it fresh when reheating.
Freezing
While you can freeze this pasta, keep in mind that spinach may become a bit watery after thawing. For best results, freeze the shrimp and pasta separately from the sauce and vegetables, or enjoy leftovers fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave for best texture—this helps maintain the shrimp’s tenderness and the sauce’s creaminess without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the sauce.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are all excellent choices because they hold the garlic butter sauce well and offer a satisfying bite alongside the shrimp and veggies.
Is the red pepper flakes heat necessary?
Not at all! The red pepper flakes are optional and add a lovely gentle heat if you like a little spice. You can leave them out for a milder, more buttery flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You can swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegan butter and cheese alternatives. The garlic butter sauce can be recreated with olive oil and plant-based butter for a delicious vegan version.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Keep an eye on the shrimp and cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their tender texture.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is a true joy to make and even more fun to eat. It delivers fresh, vibrant flavors with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. Treat yourself to this delightful dish soon—you’ll be amazed how such simple ingredients come together to create something so memorable and special. Happy cooking, and enjoy 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
A quick and flavorful shrimp pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes all tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe combines tender pasta with a vibrant, slightly spicy sauce for a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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
- 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. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Set the pasta 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 pepper, then cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat the noodles in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if you like. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use tails on shrimp for a prettier presentation; tails off for easier eating.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit if preferred.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- Reserve pasta water is essential for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice umami richness to the dish.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Use fresh lemon juice as a bright finishing touch, but it can be left out if you prefer a richer flavor.
