This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is a healthy, easy-to-make meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. With garlic, grape tomatoes, and Italian herbs, it features a light, buttery sauce without any cream. Bright spinach and tender shrimp round out this vibrant dish, making it a colorful and satisfying choice for any weeknight dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked spaghetti

• 1 lb raw shrimp (31–40 count), thawed, peeled, and deveined

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 10 oz grape tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes:
   In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Stir in tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until tomatoes begin to break down.

3. Add Shrimp & Spinach:
   Add shrimp and spinach to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and spinach wilts.

4. Combine & Finish:
   Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

5. Serve:
   Serve warm, optionally garnished with red pepper flakes or fresh basil for added depth.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: ~400–450 kcal

• Protein: High (from shrimp and pasta)

• Fat: Moderate (from butter and oil)

• Carbohydrates: Moderate (from pasta and tomatoes)

• Sodium: Moderate (especially from broth and seasoning)

A Wholesome, Well-Rounded Dish

This pasta brings together all the elements of a balanced meal: lean protein, fresh vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. The result is a dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent, without feeling heavy. Instead of relying on cream-based sauces, this recipe uses a flavorful combination of garlic, olive oil, and butter, paired with chicken broth and Italian herbs to create a light, glossy coating for the pasta and shrimp. The tomatoes burst into the sauce, bringing acidity and sweetness that perfectly complement the richness of the butter and shrimp.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of staple ingredients and minimal prep, you get bold, fresh flavors that feel anything but ordinary. Here’s why it’s a weeknight winner:

• Quick cooking time: Shrimp and spinach cook in minutes, making this a true 30-minute meal.

• No cream needed: The sauce stays light and fresh, allowing each ingredient to shine.

• Easy to customize: Use different pasta shapes, substitute kale or arugula for spinach, or add a sprinkle of cheese.

• Nutritious and satisfying: High in protein, moderate in fat, and packed with veggies, it checks every nutritional box.

The Shrimp: Protein Power in Minutes

Shrimp is the ultimate quick-cooking protein. In just a few minutes, it turns pink, plump, and flavorful. In this dish, the shrimp not only contributes lean protein but also absorbs the savory flavors of garlic, butter, and tomatoes as it simmers. Using 31–40 count shrimp ensures a tender texture that complements the spaghetti without overwhelming it. Make sure not to overcook—just a light pink hue and opaque flesh means they’re ready.

Tomatoes & Spinach: Bright, Bold Vegetables

Grape tomatoes, halved and sautéed, add sweet acidity and juicy texture. They soften and burst slightly, melding with garlic and broth to form a delicate sauce. Fresh baby spinach adds color and nutrition—vitamins A, C, and iron—without adding bulk or bitterness. It wilts quickly and evenly, making it perfect for fast stir-ins at the end of cooking.

A Sauce That’s Simple Yet Irresistible

The sauce for this pasta is minimal but mighty. A mix of olive oil, butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth simmers together with tomatoes to form a light, fragrant coating for the pasta. The reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce, giving it body and allowing the starches to gently cling to every strand. It’s proof that you don’t need heavy ingredients for a luxurious finish.

Pasta Choices and Pairings

Spaghetti works beautifully here, but you can easily swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free or whole-wheat options. The key is cooking the pasta al dente so it can finish in the skillet and absorb the sauce.

For pairings:

• Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

• Add red pepper flakes for heat, or top with fresh basil or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

• For a heartier meal, stir in white beans or sautéed mushrooms.

Nutritional Highlights

Each serving of this dish provides approximately 400–450 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option. Here’s a breakdown:

• Protein: High, thanks to the shrimp and pasta.

• Fat: Moderate, mostly from olive oil and butter—use less for an even lighter version.

• Carbs: From pasta and tomatoes, providing energy and natural sugars.

• Fiber: Boosted by spinach and whole tomatoes.

• Sodium: Moderate—use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning to reduce salt.

This balance makes it ideal for those seeking a clean, fresh meal that doesn’t feel restrictive.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

This dish is best served fresh, but it also reheats well for next-day lunches:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

• Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long to prevent rubbery texture.

For meal prep, you can:

• Pre-cook the pasta and store separately.

• Chop garlic and tomatoes in advance.

• Use pre-cleaned shrimp to cut down on prep time even further.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with easy-to-find ingredients.

• Healthy yet comforting: Full of flavor without heavy sauces or cream.

• Colorful and appealing: The tomatoes, spinach, and shrimp make for a beautiful presentation.

• Customizable: Adapt to your taste or dietary needs with ease.

• One-skillet simplicity: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.

Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking solo, or hosting guests, this dish hits the sweet spot of ease, nutrition, and flavor.

Conclusion

This Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta is the kind of meal that reminds you healthy cooking doesn’t have to mean bland or complicated. It’s fresh, fast, and full of life—garlic-scented, butter-kissed, and rich with the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean. Tossed together in one skillet and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a pasta recipe you’ll keep coming back to again and again. Serve it hot, garnish with herbs, and enjoy every forkful of this light, luxurious dinner.