Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s not just delicious but also super quick to whip up, then let me introduce you to my Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce! This meal comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something fancy and satisfying. Trust me, the combination of succulent shrimp, vibrant spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce is simply divine! I remember the first time I made this for a dinner party—everyone went back for seconds! It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I bet it will in yours too!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet delightful ingredients for a truly scrumptious dish! You’ll need:
- 8 oz spaghetti – This is my go-to pasta for its perfect texture; feel free to use whole wheat if you prefer!
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh shrimp really elevates this dish, but frozen works too—just thaw them well.
- 2 cups fresh spinach – I love using fresh spinach for its vibrant color and nutrition.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – These sweet little gems add a burst of flavor and color!
- 4 tbsp butter – Use unsalted butter; it makes the garlic flavor shine through.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The heart of the dish—don’t skimp on this!
- 1/2 tsp salt – Adjust to your taste, of course!
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – Just a pinch for a little kick!
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – This adds a creamy, salty finish that’s just heavenly.
How to Prepare Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
First things first! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your 8 oz spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente bite. Just before you drain it, save about a cup of that pasta water—trust me, it’ll come in handy later! Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside, letting it cool just a bit while we work on that buttery goodness.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp
Now, let’s get cooking! In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Once it’s all bubbly and fragrant, add in 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s golden and aromatic—oh, the smell is heavenly! Next, toss in your 1 lb shrimp. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn that lovely pink and opaque color. This is when you know they’re just right!
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Time to brighten things up! Add in 1 cup cherry tomatoes and 2 cups fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook them together for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until the tomatoes start to soften and the spinach wilts down. This step not only adds flavor but brings a beautiful pop of color to your dish!
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Alright, it’s almost time to dig in! Gently toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the shrimp and veggies, mixing everything together. If it seems a bit dry, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste. Finally, serve it up hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with flavor from the garlic butter sauce and fresh ingredients.
- Healthier choice with shrimp, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup—yay!
- Customizable: you can add your favorite veggies or spices!
- Deliciously satisfying, making it a hit with family and friends.
Tips for Success
To make your Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips! First, be sure to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor—if you can, avoid the pre-cooked ones as they can easily overcook. When sautéing the garlic, don’t let it brown too much; you want that sweet, fragrant essence without the bitterness. Also, remember to reserve that pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency! If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. And finally, don’t skip the Parmesan cheese; it adds a creamy finish that ties everything together beautifully!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritious, my Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce hits the mark! Each serving (that’s about one-quarter of the recipe) contains approximately 400 calories, making it a hearty yet light option. You’ll find around 15g of fat, with 7g of saturated fat, and a generous 25g of protein to keep you satisfied. Plus, it has 45g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. It’s a well-rounded dish packed with flavor and goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You can definitely use frozen shrimp if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the skillet. I usually leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quicker thawing. This way, you’ll still get that juicy texture in your Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If spinach isn’t your thing, no worries! You can easily substitute it with kale or even Swiss chard. Just chop it up a bit and add it in the same way you would with spinach. Both options give a lovely earthy flavor and still keep the dish vibrant and healthy!
How can I make this dish spicier?
For those who like a kick, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic is a fantastic way to spice things up! You could also toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce at the end to really amp up the heat. Just adjust to your taste, and enjoy the fiery twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, I recommend reheating them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a little more butter to help loosen it up and keep it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready to go in no time!
Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Shrimp pasta cooked in a garlic butter sauce with tomatoes and spinach.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust garlic to taste.
- Can substitute spinach with kale.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp tomato spinach pasta garlic butter sauce