Description
A quick, flavorful, and comforting pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pot meal balances savory, sweet, and fresh flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Protein
- 12 oz fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or diced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Optional: 1/2 cup mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers (for extra veggies)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or preferred long pasta
Cheese and Herbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (for spicy twist)
- Splash of heavy cream or cream cheese (for creamy version)
- Gluten-free pasta or rice noodles (for gluten-free swap)
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about a cup of the pasta water to loosen the sauce later, then set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, to infuse the sauce with a robust garlic aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release juices. Toss in fresh spinach and stir gently until wilted, creating a vibrant base that absorbs the buttery flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Return the shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together using some reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind sauce and pasta for a glossy finish.
- Cook garlic gently over low heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end to preserve their brightness and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter sauce, spinach pasta, tomato pasta, quick dinner, seafood pasta, healthy pasta