Who says you need hours in the kitchen to enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta? This creamy tomato spinach shrimp pasta is bursting with flavor, yet takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. Tender shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach are tossed in a rich cream sauce, then combined with perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and impressive dish. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough to serve to guests.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
This pasta is more than just a quick dinner it’s the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. The shrimp adds juicy, savory bites, while the tomatoes bring a natural sweetness that complements the creamy sauce. Fresh spinach gives it a pop of color and extra nutrients, making it a complete meal in one bowl. Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder with minimal cleanup, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy tomato spinach shrimp pasta, you’ll need a few fresh ingredients and some pantry staples:
- Shrimp – peeled, deveined, and tail-off for easy eating.
- Cherry Tomatoes – for natural sweetness; you can also use diced tomatoes.
- Fresh Spinach – adds color, freshness, and nutrition.
- Pasta – linguine, spaghetti, or penne work best.
- Garlic – fresh minced garlic for rich aroma.
- Olive Oil & Butter – for sautéing and flavor balance.
- Heavy Cream – creates the velvety, creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – freshly grated for the best taste.
- Seasonings – salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3 – Cook the Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté until they start to soften and release their juices.
Step 4 – Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in heavy cream, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5 – Add Spinach & Shrimp
Toss in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. Return shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
Step 6 – Combine with Pasta
Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – They cook fast! Overcooking will make them rubbery, so remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh spinach – Baby spinach works best and wilts quickly without becoming soggy.
- Reserve pasta water – Adding a splash at the end helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Grate your own parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Balance the creaminess – If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with pasta water or a splash of broth.
Variations You Can Try
- Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat lovers.
- Cheesy Twist – Mix in mozzarella, asiago, or gouda for richer flavor.
- Low-Carb Swap – Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Herb Infusion – Add fresh basil, parsley, or oregano for a fragrant finish.
- Lighter Version – Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk to cut calories without losing creaminess.
What to Serve with Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every drop of the creamy sauce.
- Simple Green Salad – A refreshing side to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – Add more color and nutrition with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Chilled White Wine – A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with shrimp and cream sauce.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration – Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Avoid Overcooking Shrimp – When reheating, heat just until warm to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as cream sauces tend to separate after thawing.
