Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci

This Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci is a perfect blend of tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a creamy, garlicky sauce, with a hint of pesto to tie all the flavors together. It’s a rich and delicious pasta dish that’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why This Is The Best Recipe

This recipe is a standout because of its simplicity and balanced flavors. The combination of shrimp, pesto, and spinach provides a mix of textures and vibrant tastes, while the creamy sauce adds a luxurious finish. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a fast yet impressive meal. Plus, the freshness of the cherry tomatoes and spinach gives it a light, summery touch.

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti: The foundation of this dish, providing a hearty base to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp adds a delicate sweetness and protein to the dish, cooking quickly and perfectly complementing the sauce.
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of fresh, sweet, and tangy flavor.
• 4 oz fresh spinach: Provides a healthy dose of greens and a mild, earthy flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• 1 onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 1 head of garlic: Essential for a rich, aromatic base.
• 2 tbsp green pesto: Adds a herby, flavorful twist that complements the shrimp.
• Salt, to taste: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle heat and balances the richness of the cream.
• Parmesan cheese: A final topping that adds salty, nutty flavor to complete the dish.

How to make this recipe

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the vegetables:
   • Wash all your produce.
   • Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
   • Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside for later.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic:
   • In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes until they become lightly browned.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Cook the shrimp:
   • Add the peeled shrimp to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn light pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the pesto and cream:
   • Stir in the green pesto until well combined with the shrimp and onions.
   • Then pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
6. Add the tomatoes and spinach:
   • Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and let them simmer in the sauce for 2 minutes.
   • Add the fresh spinach and cook for another 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove the pan from heat.
7. Mix in the pasta:
   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy shrimp and spinach mixture.
8. Serve and top:
   • Divide the spaghetti scampi among 4 serving bowls.
   • Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough. They should be light pink and slightly firm.
• Save some pasta water: Reserve a small amount of pasta cooking water before draining. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
• Add a splash of white wine: For an extra layer of flavor, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
• Customize the veggies: You can add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini if you like, for added texture and flavor.

This Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Enjoy!