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
- 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.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
- Introduce shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden exterior.
- Dice tomatoes and gently fold them into the shrimp, allowing their natural juices to blend with the garlic.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes into the skillet, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet, letting it wilt quickly and integrate with the shrimp and tomatoes.
- Transfer pasta directly into the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure comprehensive coating.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for a bright, citrusy note.
- Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese.
- 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