Spaghetti with shrimp, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and spinach is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This dish brings together the freshness of cherry tomatoes, the savory goodness of shrimp, and the earthy essence of spinach, all complemented by aromatic garlic and flavorful herbs.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces Spaghetti
- 7 Jumbo Shrimp
- 2 Handfuls of fresh spinach
- Pint of Cherry tomatoes, cut in two
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup good quality olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Boil spaghetti in a pot for 10 minutes until al dente.
- Season shrimp with black pepper and old bay seasoning. Add 1/4 cup olive oil and cook for about 1 minute per side. Set aside.
- In the same pot, add minced garlic and onions and sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes until they start releasing some juices.
- Add spinach and stir well.
- Add back the spaghetti and shrimp, along with dried basil, parsley, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir well and add 5 tablespoons of pasta water.
- Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tender texture.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a cohesive sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be a delightful addition to garnish the dish.
Conclusion:
This spaghetti with shrimp, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and spinach recipe is a delightful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy this dish as a comforting dinner option or as a special treat for yourself!
- Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can substitute frozen shrimp for fresh ones in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning and cooking.
- Can I use other types of pasta besides spaghetti?
- Absolutely! While spaghetti works well with this recipe, you can use other types of pasta such as linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Choose your favorite pasta shape or use whatever you have available in your pantry.
- Is it necessary to use cherry tomatoes, or can I use regular tomatoes?
- Cherry tomatoes work well in this recipe because of their sweet flavor and convenient size. However, you can certainly use regular tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just dice them into smaller pieces before adding them to the dish.
- Can I omit the red pepper flakes if I don’t like spicy food?
- Absolutely! The red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance or omit them entirely for a non-spicy version of the dish.