SHRIMP PASTA WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES
This Shrimp Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes is a quick, flavor packed meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying. With tender shrimp, baby spinach, juicy tomatoes and a touch of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner to whip up in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 150 g spaghetti dried
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 6-8 pieces raw shrimp cleaned, shelled deviened
- pinch salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika powder
- ½ tsp mixed dry Italian herbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp chilli flakes aka red pepper flakes
- 250 g grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes
- fresh baby spinach handful
- ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ¼ cup fresh curly parsley finely chopped
Instructions
COOK SHRIMP AND SAUCE BASE
- In a small bowl, marinate shrimp in garlic powder, paprika powder and salt to taste for a few minutes.
- In a pan, melt butter over low-medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, searing them until golden. Sprinkle with Italian herbs, then remove from the pan.
- In the same pan, heat olive oil, then add the minced garlic and chili flakes. Stir and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the grape tomatoes with a pinch of salt, stir, and cook until softened, mashing some and leaving others whole.
- Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water, a spoonful at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
PASTA
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook per packet directions MINUS 1 minute.
- Scoop out a mug of pasta cooking water and set aside, then drain the pasta.
TOSSING SPAGHETTI IN SAUCE
- Add the spaghetti to the sauce and toss/stir gently for 1-2 minutes, or until the spaghetti is nicely coated.
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan and continue mixing until the sauce thickens. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
TO SERVE
- Top pasta with shrimp, more freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, it's ready to serve!
Notes
***** I cook the pasta towards the end of the process, to ensure it’s added at its best texture and temperature, preventing it from drying out or sticking together while making the sauce.