This shrimp tomato spinach pasta is a quick and easy dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes! Juicy shrimp are tossed with garlic butter, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, then mixed with perfectly cooked pasta for a flavor-packed Mediterranean meal. This dish is light, yet satisfying, and can be enjoyed as a healthy weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.
8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
¼ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Juice of ½ lemon
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, until they soften.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and butter.
Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
Squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
Add drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a silkier sauce.
Serve & Garnish:
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy
For extra flavor, feel free to substitute the chicken broth with dry white wine.
You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.