Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Fresh Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Dazzles Every Time

Crafting a delectable tomato spinach shrimp pasta brings together vibrant Mediterranean flavors that dance on your plate.

Succulent shrimp nestle perfectly among tender spinach leaves and bright red tomatoes.

Coastal influences shine through this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Mediterranean ingredients create magical moments in your kitchen.

Delicate seafood combines with hearty greens for a nutritious meal that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Summer’s freshest produce transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate an incredible culinary adventure.

Best Storage Tips for Shrimp Pasta Leftovers

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's quality.
  • Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the pasta's texture.
  • Cool the pasta completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month, noting that the texture of shrimp and spinach may slightly change upon thawing.
  • Reheat the pasta only once to maintain food safety and prevent texture degradation.

Your Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Questions Answered

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess water in the skillet.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch them closely.

  • Is it okay to substitute spinach with another leafy green?

Absolutely! Kale or Swiss chard work great as alternatives and provide similar nutritional benefits and texture.

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

While linguine or spaghetti are traditional, any pasta like penne, farfalle, or angel hair will work perfectly and absorb the delicious sauce.

Why Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Is a Go-To Favorite

  • Savor Quick and Fresh Flavors: Packed with succulent shrimp, vibrant spinach, and juicy tomatoes, this pasta delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using just a few pantry staples, you can create a gourmet meal that looks and tastes impressive without complicated techniques.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing everything in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and making dinner preparation stress-free.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching proteins, adding different herbs, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's preferences and dietary needs.

What’s in This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the foundation of this delightful dish.
Protein and Seafood:
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delicate and sweet flavor to the pasta.
Fresh Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Tomatoes, Spinach: A trio of fresh ingredients that provide depth, acidity, and nutritional value to the recipe.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: A fragrant herb that adds a final burst of freshness and color.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential spices that bring warmth and complexity to the dish.
  • Lemon: A citrus fruit that brightens the overall flavor profile with its tangy essence.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that adds a rich, salty, and umami dimension.
Cooking Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: A smooth cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and develop a rich flavor base.
  • Pasta Water: A starchy liquid that can help adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

How to Cook Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta in Minutes

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a vigorous boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Drain and set aside, keeping a small cup of pasta water for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic in Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for about 30 seconds, releasing its incredible aroma without burning.

Step 3: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Add shrimp to the fragrant garlic oil. Let them sizzle and transform, turning a beautiful pink and developing a golden edge. Flip them once to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Create Vibrant Vegetable Base

Chop fresh tomatoes and gently fold them into the shrimp:
  • Ripe tomatoes
  • Fresh spinach leaves

Watch the tomatoes release their juicy goodness into the pan.

Step 5: Season with Flavor Boosters

Sprinkle in your flavor enhancers:
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir everything to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Drop in fresh spinach leaves, letting them quickly wilt and merge with the shrimp and tomatoes. The spinach will become tender and vibrant green.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets coated with the delicious sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky texture.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for a bright, zesty kick. Scatter torn basil leaves and shower with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately while the pasta is steaming hot. The flavors will be at their absolute peak of deliciousness.

Tips to Make Shrimp Pasta Extra Tasty

  • Preserve Pasta Perfection: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, creating a silky, smooth texture.
  • Quick Shrimp Searing: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden exterior and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Spinach Wilting Wisdom: Add spinach at the last moment to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, preserving nutrients and freshness.
  • Flavor Boosting Hack: Toast red pepper flakes briefly in olive oil before adding other ingredients to intensify their spicy, aromatic qualities.
  • Lemon Zest Enhancement: Grate lemon zest into the dish for an extra layer of citrusy brightness before squeezing juice for maximum flavor impact.

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta With a Twist

  • Creamy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace olive oil with Greek yogurt and add crumbled feta cheese for a tangy, rich Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Cajun Kick: Incorporate Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, and bell peppers to transform the pasta into a zesty New Orleans-style dish.
  • Pesto Paradise: Swap tomatoes with homemade basil pesto, adding roasted pine nuts and extra parmesan for an herbal, nutty flavor profile.
  • Coconut Curry Escape: Blend in coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, and fresh cilantro for a tropical, aromatic Southeast Asian interpretation.

What to Serve With Shrimp Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the richness of the parmesan cheese.
  • Serve with Garlic Bread Companion: Create a rustic garlic bread using crusty Italian bread, brushed with olive oil and toasted, which perfectly soaks up the tomato and shrimp juices.
  • Match with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Prepare a light salad with cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives dressed in a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's warmth.
  • Enhance with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Craft a refreshing drink mixing sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of mint to mirror the dish's bright, citrusy undertones.
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Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory tomato spinach shrimp pasta combines Mediterranean flavors in a quick, elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality comfort to home kitchens. Creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and fresh spinach create a delightful meal you can craft in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 medium tomatoes

Pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves

Optional Additions:

  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon (for juice)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
  4. Introduce shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden exterior.
  5. Dice tomatoes and gently fold them into the shrimp, allowing their natural juices to blend with the garlic.
  6. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes into the skillet, stirring to distribute evenly.
  7. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
  8. Add fresh spinach to the skillet, letting it wilt quickly and integrate with the shrimp and tomatoes.
  9. Transfer pasta directly into the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure comprehensive coating.
  10. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for a bright, citrusy note.
  11. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese.
  12. Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the flavors are vibrant.

Notes

  • Optimize pasta doneness by tasting a strand a minute before package instructions suggest, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
  • Transform the dish gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a lighter alternative.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild paprika for those sensitive to heat.
  • Enhance protein content by adding extra shrimp or incorporating grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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