If you’re in the mood for something spectacularly satisfying yet refreshingly light, Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce is absolutely calling your name. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp sizzling in garlicky butter, sweet pops of cherry tomato, and emerald flecks of spinach tangled in silky pasta—all swirled together in a luscious, lemony sauce. This dish is a favorite for good reason: it’s easy enough for a cozy weeknight, impressive enough for dinner guests, and every forkful bursts with flavor. Whether you’re a longtime seafood lover or just looking to shake up pasta night, Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce is bound to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about simple ingredients coming together to make a show-stopping dish—each item here brings its own personality to the table. With just a handful of kitchen staples plus a few fresh stars, you’ll have this Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce ready in under an hour.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine offer the perfect texture for soaking up that gorgeous garlic butter sauce.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and add sweet, briny flavor—you can keep the tails on for extra flair.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the shrimp and layers in a subtle fruity richness.
- Unsalted butter: The buttery backbone of the sauce, amplifying both silkiness and flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a mellow, aromatic kick that keeps the dish vibrant.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat goes a long way; add if you crave a gentle tingle in the background.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of juicy sweetness and a pop of color—halve them to help their juice join the sauce.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds emerald color, subtle earthiness, and just wilts down to perfection.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce and ties everything together with nutty, salty depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting every flavor note.
- Lemon juice: A fresh squeeze right at the end brightens and brings all the flavors into sharp focus.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish—a sprinkle of green for visual appeal and a burst of freshness.
How to Make Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in your pasta. Cook it just to al dente, checking a couple of minutes before the package says it’s done. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s the secret to a glossy, restaurant-worthy sauce later on. Once drained, set the pasta aside so it’s ready when you need it.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, heat olivе oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer (so they sear beautifully, not steam) and season generously with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn pink, opaque, and just curl. Remove them from the pan—the residual heat will keep them juicy while you move on to the next act.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the butter—it’ll melt into the pan, picking up all the flavor left behind by the shrimp. Add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using), stirring for about a minute until the aroma is irresistible. Next, add the cherry tomatoes, letting them soften and begin to burst, releasing their sweet juices into the bubbling butter. Throw in the spinach last, stirring until it’s just wilted but still vibrant green.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
It’s time to put it all together! Slide the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Scatter over the grated Parmesan and squeeze in that fresh lemon juice—then toss, toss, toss. If the sauce seems too thick or the pasta looks a bit dry, drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water until everything is glossy and luscious. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce into warm bowls and shower with chopped parsley. This is best enjoyed straight from the pan, while the pasta is silky and the shrimp perfectly tender. Savor every bite!
How to Serve Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! A scatter of fresh parsley adds freshness and color, but you can also add extra shavings of Parmesan or a light drizzle of good olive oil for shine. If you want even more zing, a tiny sprinkle of lemon zest or a final pinch of red pepper flakes brings the flavors into high definition.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty enough to shine solo, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad (think arugula or mixed greens dressed in lemony vinaigrette). For a cozy Italian touch, serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of garlicky butter sauce. A glass of crisp white wine doesn’t hurt either!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try twirling the Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce into individual nests using tongs—then top each nest with a shrimp or two for a restaurant-style wow factor. You can also serve it family-style in a large shallow bowl, garnished with extra vibrant greens and those glossy tomatoes on top for everyone to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored this way, Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know that seafood pastas are always best enjoyed soon after cooking, while the shrimp is still at its most tender.
Freezing
Freezing pasta dishes with seafood and fresh greens isn’t usually recommended since shrimp can easily become rubbery and spinach may release excess water when thawed. However, if you must freeze, portion the pasta and sauce (without garnishes) into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for gentlest results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta and warm it in a skillet over gentle heat, stirring frequently so the sauce becomes silky and the shrimp gently reheat without overcooking. Avoid the microwave, if possible, as it can make shrimp chewy and dry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking—this ensures they sear nicely instead of steaming.
What other greens can I use if I don’t have spinach?
Arugula, baby kale, or even Swiss chard can be swapped in for spinach. Simply add the greens at the end so they wilt but remain vibrant and tender.
Is it possible to make Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce dairy-free?
You can certainly skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative, and opt for plant-based butter instead of regular butter. The dish will still taste bright and satisfying!
How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
Stick to the cooking time—shrimp should only be in the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side. They’re done as soon as they turn opaque and curl into a C-shape. Remove them straight away to preserve their tenderness.
Can I make Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce ahead of time for a party?
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes ahead (store them separately in the fridge). When it’s time to serve, dinner will come together in 15 minutes flat!
Final Thoughts
If you crave a dish that’s as deliciously elegant as it is weeknight-friendly, Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce is simply unbeatable. It’s perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to restaurant-quality flavor right at home, with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly earns a regular spot in your dinner rotation!
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Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful meal with this flavorful Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce. Succulent shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and fresh spinach are tossed with pasta in a luscious buttery garlic sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of savory and refreshing flavors that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Additions:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Cook the Shrimp: Sear seasoned shrimp until pink and cooked. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté tomatoes, then add spinach.
- Combine Ingredients: Add back shrimp, pasta, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Toss, adjusting consistency with pasta water.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute arugula for spinach or use sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
