Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci

Elevate your pasta night with Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci, a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a creamy pesto sauce. This elegant dish is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

fork taking a scoop of spaghetti scampi

Chef’s Tips

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes add vibrant flavor and color to the dish.
  • Quality Shrimp: Use high-quality shrimp for the best texture and taste.
  • Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference, tasting as you go.

Ingredients

raw ingredients on table
  • Spaghetti: 1 lb. This long pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
  • Raw Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined. Provides a tender and flavorful protein.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved. Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
  • Fresh Spinach: 4 oz. Adds a nutritious and vibrant green element.
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Creates a rich, creamy sauce.
  • Onion: 1, diced. Adds a sweet, savory base to the sauce.
  • Garlic: 1 head, minced. Brings a robust, aromatic flavor.
  • Green Pesto: 2 tbsp. Infuses the sauce with a fresh, herby taste.
  • Salt: To taste. Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
  • Black Pepper: To taste. Adds a touch of spice.
  • Parmesan Cheese: For topping. Provides a nutty, salty finish.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
  • Extra Veggies: Add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety and nutrition.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prep the Ingredients:
    • Wash all your produce. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
  3. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
    • In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
  4. Cook the Shrimp:
    • Add the peeled shrimp to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, or until light pink. Season with salt and pepper.
pan with shrimps and spices cooking
all ingredients for spaghetti scampi cooking in pan
  1. Add Pesto and Cream:
    • Add the pesto to the pan, stirring until well combined.
    • Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let simmer for a few minutes.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Spinach:
    • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and let simmer for 2 minutes.
    • Add the fresh spinach and cook for 3 more minutes, until wilted. Remove from heat.
  3. Combine and Serve:
    • Mix the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
    • Divide the pasta among 4 serving bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.
black bowl of spaghetti scampi

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave on low power in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Enjoy your Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci and savor every flavorful bite!

Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci

Sea Salt Savorings
Elevate your pasta night with Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci, a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a creamy pesto sauce. This elegant dish is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 772 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lbs spaghetti
  • 1 lbs raw shrimp peeled and divined
  • 1 pint cherry tomato
  • 4 oz fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion
  • 1 head of garlic
  • 2 tbsp green pesto
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package.
  • Wash all your produce.
  • Dice the onion.
  • Mince the garlic.
  • Half the cherry tomatoes.
  • In a large pan, heat olive oil, add diced onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  • Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
  • Add the peeled shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, or until light pink. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Then add the pesto, stir until well combined.
  • Add the heavy cream, stir, and let simmer for a few more minutes.
  • Then add the diced cherry tomatoes. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Then add the spinach, cook for 3 more minutes, and remove from heat.
  • Mix the cooked spaghetti in the sauce and divide over 4 serving bowls.
  • Top with parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 772kcalCarbohydrates: 97gProtein: 35gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 211mgSodium: 771mgPotassium: 897mgFiber: 6gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 4467IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 185mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.

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