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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy 20-Minute Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

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A quick and easy shrimp pasta dish featuring garlic butter sauce, blistered cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pint (about 250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups (about 120g) fresh spinach, tightly packed
  • 4 tablespoons (about 56g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Small handful fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water, then drain the rest using a colander. Set the pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450g) of peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Toss in 1 pint (250g) halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes blister and start to soften.
  6. Add 4 cups fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and about 1/4 cup (60ml) of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together carefully to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld.
  8. Remove skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh juice from half a lemon over the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss once more.
  9. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Notes

If the sauce feels dry, add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to create a light silky coating. Watch shrimp closely to avoid overcooking; remove as soon as they turn pink. Use low to medium heat when sautéing garlic to prevent burning. Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances richness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, cherry tomatoes, spinach, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-spinach/