Description
A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, garlicky shrimp, and tender baby spinach, all tossed together in spaghetti.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer — linguine, penne, bucatini work well)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Sear garlic and shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil. Sauté minced garlic about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp to a plate if your skillet is crowded.
- Build the sauce: In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir and let tomatoes soften for 1–2 minutes.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavor.
- Finish with greens and pasta: Stir in fresh spinach and cooked pasta. Return shrimp to the pan. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach a silky consistency.
- Plate and garnish: Serve hot with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Use frozen shrimp if necessary — thaw thoroughly and pat dry. To make it vegetarian, skip the shrimp and add white beans or sautéed mushrooms. For a creamier finish, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream or crème fraîche at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian