If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors, the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine succulent shrimp nestled in a luscious garlic butter sauce, mingling perfectly with sweet cherry tomatoes and tender spinach, all tossed together with tender pasta. This dish is a wonderful balance of freshness and richness, quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of garlicky warmth, juicy tomatoes, and leafy greens makes it a feast for your eyes and taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a few simple ingredients come together to create this flavor-packed dish. Each component plays a vital role—the shrimp adds luscious protein, cherry tomatoes bring a juicy pop, spinach offers a fresh, leafy texture, and the garlic butter sauce ties everything into a harmonious and indulgent experience.
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up every bit of the sauce.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender shrimp provide a subtle sweetness and meaty texture.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and depth to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing, it offers a lovely fruity background.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor, bringing fragrant warmth to every bite.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds mild earthiness and a splash of green.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle spicy kick.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors—adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: A subtle peppery finish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds savory, umami richness on top.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herb for garnish, brightening the dish.
- Optional squeeze of lemon juice: For a final refreshing zing.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking your pasta just right—al dente—takes about 10 to 12 minutes, based on your package instructions. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. This little trick is a lifesaver later when you want to loosen the sauce without watering down the flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Next, heat a mixture of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp lightly with salt and pepper, then sizzle them in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely pink and are opaque through. This quick sear locks in the natural juices. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set them aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil, allowing both to melt and mingle. Toss in the minced garlic and stir until it releases its irresistible aroma—this takes just about a minute. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let those tomatoes soften and burst slightly over the next 2 to 3 minutes, creating a richly flavored base for your pasta.
Step 4: Add Spinach
Stir in your chopped spinach, letting it wilt gently for 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach not only adds a beautiful green color but also a mild earthiness that balances the sweet tomatoes and garlicky richness perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return your cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta on top. Toss everything together to ensure every strand of pasta is coated with that luscious sauce and studded with shrimp and veggies. If the mixture seems dry, splash a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up without losing flavor.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove your skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish if you’re feeling indulgent. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a final pop of bright flavor. For an extra zing, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a refreshing touch that helps balance all the richness. Serve immediately and watch your friends and family dive in joyfully.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese elevate this dish visually and in flavor. Adding a small wedge of lemon on the side invites diners to customize their tangy twist, enhancing the seafood’s brightness and cutting through the buttery richness.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that garlic butter sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, add satisfying crunch and extra nutrients on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley for color contrast. You can also plate the shrimp on top of the pasta artfully arranged. For a more casual vibe, toss everything directly in a large serving dish and allow everyone to help themselves, creating a warm, family-style atmosphere.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors often meld nicely after a few hours, making it a perfect next-day lunch. Consume within 2 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing pasta dishes with seafood is generally not ideal because shrimp can become rubbery when thawed. However, you can freeze the pasta and sauce without shrimp separately. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat gently before adding freshly cooked shrimp.
Reheating
Reheat your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwaving is possible but do so in intervals to avoid overcooking the shrimp and drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that could dilute the sauce. Using fresh or thawed shrimp will ensure they cook up nicely with the right texture.
What pasta works best in this dish?
Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti all work beautifully here. Choose your favorite long pasta that can hold the garlic butter sauce well. If you prefer, gluten-free or whole wheat alternatives will also produce great results.
Is this recipe spicy?
This dish is only mildly spicy if you add the optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more, less, or skipping it entirely based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or artichoke hearts. The garlic butter sauce with spinach and tomatoes still offers plenty of delicious flavor.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan or prefer a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of vegan cheese works well to add that savory, umami element.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe has all the qualities of a perfect weeknight dinner: quick, flavorful, and comforting. It’s versatile, packed with nutrients, and irresistibly delicious. I encourage you to give it a try—you may find it joining your regular recipe rotation in no time!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce is a delicious and quick weeknight meal. Tender shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach are tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a rich and satisfying dish that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if you like. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use tails on shrimp for better presentation, tails off for easier eating.
- Reserve pasta water is important to adjust sauce consistency.
- Can substitute gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
