Garlic Shrimp Spinach Tomato Pasta

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Tomato Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Season and Cook the Shrimp

1. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the shrimp for 1½–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the olive oil to the same skillet.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to burst.
4. Add the white wine (or broth) and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
6. Add the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.
7. Stir in the butter until melted.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
2. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
4. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently.
5. Finish with the lemon juice and parsley.

Serve

Top with additional Parmesan, fresh parsley or basil, cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Serve with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Mixed green salad
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli.