Description
Welcome, pasta lovers! If you’re searching for a light, healthy, and flavorful Mediterranean-style seafood pasta recipe, you’re in the right place. This Shrimp Tomato Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce is a must-try for fans of easy weeknight dinners and Italian-inspired cuisine. Fettuccine pasta, fresh vegetables, and succulent shrimp come together in a rich garlic butter sauce that will have you coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb shrimp, fresh, uncooked, shelled and deveined.
- 5 tomatoes, medium size, chopped into large cubes.
- 1 cup spinach, cooked.
- 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 additional heat.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika.
- 10 oz fettuccine pasta.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving.
Optional Substitutions
- Shrimp: Swap for chicken or tofu if seafood isn’t preferred.
- Butter: Use ghee or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- Pasta: Try gluten-free pasta or whole-wheat alternatives.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the tomatoes into large cubes.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Defrost, peel, and devein the shrimp if not already prepared.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil, until melted.
- Add the fresh shrimp and half of the minced garlic to the skillet. Make sure the shrimp is spread out evenly.
- Cook for 1 minute on one side until it turns pink, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink on both sides.
- Sprinkle paprika and salt over the shrimp while cooking.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
- Add the chopped tomatoes, cooked spinach, and the remaining garlic to the skillet.
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper for heat.
- Sauté gently for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- In a separate pot, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent overcooking.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with shrimp and vegetables.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons butter and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Toss gently until well mixed, then season with more salt and crushed red pepper as needed.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp whenever possible, as it has a firmer texture and sweeter flavor.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely before cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the final toss.