Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta – Quick, Light & Flavorful

When you want a meal that feels elegant yet effortless, Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta delivers every time. This dish is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, combining tender shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant spinach with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive but comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Shrimp is one of the fastest-cooking proteins, making it ideal for quick meals that don’t sacrifice flavor. Paired with fresh tomatoes and spinach, it creates a balanced dish that’s satisfying without being heavy. Instead of a rich cream sauce, this pasta relies on olive oil, garlic, lemon, and pasta water to create a silky, flavorful coating that lets every ingredient shine.

This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean-style cooking, where simplicity and quality ingredients are key. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you can create a restaurant-worthy pasta dish right at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pasta

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Light yet satisfying—no heavy sauces
• Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein
• Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
• Easily customizable with different pasta shapes

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Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• Zest and juice of ½ lemon
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, season shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 3–4 minutes until softened and juicy.
6. Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet, add cooked pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of pasta water. Toss to combine.
8. Remove from heat, stir in parmesan, and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and black pepper.

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Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they should be just pink and tender.
• Salt your pasta water well for maximum flavor.
• Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.
• Add pasta water gradually to create a silky sauce.

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Variations

• Garlic Butter Version: Add 1 tablespoon butter at the end.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Swap pasta as needed.
• Extra Veggies: Add zucchini ribbons or mushrooms.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad and crusty bread. A chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs beautifully with the light, fresh flavors.

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Nutrition & Balance

Shrimp provides lean protein and essential minerals, while spinach delivers iron and antioxidants. Tomatoes add vitamin C and natural sweetness, making this dish both nutritious and satisfying without feeling heavy.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

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Final Thoughts

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, beautiful flavor. Light, vibrant, and quick to make, it’s the perfect recipe for anyone who loves fresh, unfussy meals that still feel special.