Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fresh & Healthy Ingredients: This dish is packed with fresh vegetables like spinach and tomatoes, making it both nutritious and flavorful.
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Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 50 minutes, this dish comes together quickly for a satisfying meal.
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Mediterranean Vibes: With olive oil, garlic, and fresh seafood, the recipe brings Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb shrimp, fresh, uncooked, shelled, and deveined
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5 tomatoes, medium size, fresh, chopped into large cubes
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1 cup spinach, cooked
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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4 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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¼ lemon, juiced
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or more)
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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10 oz fettuccine pasta
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½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Directions
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil until melted.
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Add fresh shrimp and half the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute on one side until pink.
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Sprinkle paprika and salt over the uncooked side of the shrimp. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink on the other side.
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To the skillet, add chopped tomatoes, cooked spinach, and the remaining minced garlic. Add crushed red pepper and mix everything well. Remove from heat.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent the pasta from overcooking.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with shrimp and vegetables. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of butter and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
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Heat everything together until the shrimp is cooked through and all ingredients are well combined.
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Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
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Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
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Vegetarian: Omit the shrimp and replace it with more spinach or other vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or butter to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, though the texture may be slightly different.
FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add extra crushed red pepper flakes to adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the fettuccine with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Be sure to remove the shrimp from the heat once they turn pink, as they will continue to cook in the residual heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Cook the pasta just before serving.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Fresh Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work best for this dish as they are firm and hold their shape when cooked.
Can I make this dish without spinach?
Yes, if you're not a fan of spinach, you can leave it out or replace it with another leafy green like arugula or kale.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
This dish doesn't freeze well due to the texture of the shrimp and pasta, so it's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese of your choice.
Conclusion
Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce is a delightful dish that's both quick and easy to make. With the rich flavors of garlic butter, tender shrimp, and fresh vegetables, it’s a meal that will impress family and friends alike. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce
This Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce is a light and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and spinach in a rich garlic butter sauce. Paired with fettuccine pasta, this quick and easy recipe is the perfect choice for a satisfying meal with Mediterranean flavors. With just 20 minutes of prep time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta, Seafood, Mediterranean
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp (fresh, uncooked, shelled, and deveined)
5 medium tomatoes (fresh, chopped into large cubes)
1 cup cooked spinach
5 garlic cloves (minced)
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ lemon (juiced)
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or more for extra heat)
¼ teaspoon paprika
10 oz fettuccine pasta
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil until melted.
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Add fresh shrimp and half of the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute on one side until pink.
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Sprinkle paprika and salt over the uncooked side of the shrimp. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink.
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Add chopped tomatoes, cooked spinach, and the remaining minced garlic. Add crushed red pepper and mix well. Remove from heat.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent overcooking.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with shrimp and vegetables. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of butter and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
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Heat everything together until shrimp is cooked through and all ingredients are well combined.
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Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
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Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy texture.
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Vegetarian Option: Omit shrimp and add extra spinach or other vegetables.
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Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of olive oil or butter.