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Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

A vibrant, 20-minute pasta featuring plump shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes in a light garlic-lemon sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Shrimp
  • 8 oz dried linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tsp salt for seasoning, plus more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground, plus more to taste
Sauce & Vegetables
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 0.25 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Finishing Touches
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley plus more for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Tongs or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Cook shrimp for 1-2 min per side until pink. Remove to a plate.
  3. In same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 sec until fragrant.
  4. Add halved tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 4-5 min, stirring, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  5. Pour in white wine or broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 1-2 min to reduce slightly.
  6. Add spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted, about 2 min total.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Add cooked pasta, butter, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously to create a glossy sauce.
  8. Return shrimp to skillet. Add Parmesan and fresh herbs. Toss to combine and heat through. Add more pasta water if needed. Season to taste, garnish, and serve immediately.

Notes

Reserving starchy pasta water is crucial for the sauce consistency. Do not overcook shrimp. Recipe is easily adaptable—see article for variations.