Description
This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful Italian-American dish combining al dente linguine with succulent shrimp, fresh cherry tomatoes, and nutritious baby spinach. Finished with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a splash of lemon juice, this creamy pasta meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Shrimp
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups baby spinach
Cheese and Herbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together carefully until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy.
- Season and Finish: Season with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve the pasta warm.
Notes
- You can substitute arugula for spinach for a peppery flavor.
- Using sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes gives a more intense tomato taste.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Reserve some pasta water to help achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
