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Home » Recipes » Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Tomato and Spinach

Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Tomato and Spinach

May 29, 2019 Updated: October 12, 2020 By Julie Menghini 31 Comments

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Cavatappi pasta with cooked shrimp, tomatoes, and shrimp tossed with a cheese sauce
Cavatappi pasta with cooked shrimp, tomatoes, and shrimp tossed with a cheese sauce
Bowl of cavatappi pasta topped with shrimp, tomatoes, spinach and grated cheese

Creamy Shrimp Pasta recipe with bursts of tomato flavor and fresh spinach tastes like pure decadence. This simple shrimp pasta dish comes together quickly and makes a great weeknight meal or elegant enough for company.

Top view of a bowl of Cavatappi pasta topped with cooed shrimp, spinach, tomatoes and grated cheese

Easy pasta recipes with shrimp are always a favorite in our house. They’re delicious with simple ingredients or can be loaded with cream and cheese sauces.

True story here. I have a good friend that worked for the Red Cross so was adamant about giving blood. She saw first hand what happened when there was a shortage of blood and did her part giving.

We got together and she told me that she’d had lunch before she went to give blood and had ordered an Alfredo pasta dish. When she got hooked up for her donation there was so much fat in her blood that it would hardly go through the cannula. They unhooked her and told her to come back another time.

I haven’t eaten Alfredo sauce since!

Alfredo sauce is a combination of cream, butter, and cheese. Basically, a decadent fat sauce.

That being said, it hasn’t stopped me from making my own version of a cheesy cream sauce. This easy Shrimp Pasta recipe doesn’t have a drop of cream or butter in it! You’d never know it though.

I’m not calling this a healthy dish. It does have some delicious grated cheese that takes a simple shrimp recipe and elevates it to company status even though it comes together fast enough to make after a day of work.

I totally understand how busy you are so if you don’t have time for our helpful tips and delicious recipe ideas, just scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.

What’s the best shrimp size for this delicious pasta with shrimp?

Shrimp are sold in the U.S. by the pound. They are categorized according to how many it takes to make a pound as follows:

SizeCount by pound
ColossalUnder 15
Jumbo21/25
Large31/35
Medium41/50
Small51/60

The above information varies according to the supplier so go by the count before the description on the packaging. I buy the Jumbo size but the large work well too. I buy them when they’re on sale and put them in the freezer.

Shrimp go great in all kinds of dishes. Cheese varieties, flavors, courses, and cuisines are endless. A bag of shrimp in the freezer have you ready for anything including this easy shrimp pasta recipe. Keep scrolling for more shrimp inspiration!

What’s the best kind of cheese to use in this creamy shrimp pasta dish?

I used Grand Cru which is the United States version of Gruyere. Other cheeses that would be delicious in this dish are as follows:

  • Jarlesberg
  • Emmentaler
  • Raclette
  • Compte

The best cheese is one that you like. See if you can sample the cheese you want to try before buying it. I really recommend buying it by the block and grating it yourself. It’s usually cheaper and it doesn’t add that much extra time, and I think it tastes fresher. The anti-clump ingredient in bags of shredded cheese dries the cheese.


What is Gruyere Cheese?

Named for the town of Gruyères in Switzerland where it was originally made, Gruyere cheese is a firm cheese with a pale yellow color and a rich, creamy, slightly nutty taste. Gruyere (pronounced “groo-YAIR”) is a smooth-melting type of Swiss cheese that’s made from whole cow’s milk and generally cured for six months or longer.

Bowl of cavatappi pasta topped with shrimp, tomatoes, spinach and grated cheese

We’re shrimp fanatics in this house! If you are too, I think you’ll like these recipes!

  • Most Amazing Shrimp BLT Sandwich
  • Grilled Shrimp Salad with Wheat Berries
  • Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Avocado Dip
  • Sweet Heat Asian Grilled Shrimp Skewers
  • Sheet Pan Shrimp & Vegetables

You Might Need:

  • Pasta Cooker – I like using a pasta cooker because it allows me to cook pasta with less water and drain my pasta without losing my pasta water. I use the pot by itself when I need a large pot too.
  • Spaghetti Server – This server can grab a lot of pasta. It’s nice and heavy and a good looking serving tool too.
  • Boxed Grater – I shred my own cheese. I think the cheese is fresher, doesn’t contain anti-clumping agents, and is more cost effective.
Cavatappi pasta with cooked shrimp, tomatoes, and shrimp tossed with a cheese sauce
Print
5 from 16 votes

Creamy Shrimp Pasta With Tomato and Spinach

Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Tomato & Spinach is a saucy comfort meal that doesn't weigh you down. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner and elegant enough for company.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Servings 6
Author Julie Menghini
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp large, remove shell & devein
  • 1 lb Cavatappi Pasta or pasta of your choice, cooked al dente
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes caned in tomato juice
  • 2 cups spinach fresh
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2½ cups Gruyere or similar semi-hard cheese *divided
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 1¼ tbsp arrowroot powder

Instructions

  • Dissolve arrowroot powder with chicken stock and whisk to combine.
  • In a large skillet add chicken stock mixture, canned tomatoes & juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Add 2 cups of the grated cheese and stir until smooth.
  • Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 5 minutes or until shrimp are pink. Don't over cook. They will continue to cook in the hot dish.
  • Add cooked pasta and spinach. Stir to combine and let sit a few minutes until spinach wilts.
  • Serve in bowls and garnish with remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheese.

Notes

If the liquid is too thick add a little pasta water.

Nutrition

Calories: 621kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 252mg | Sodium: 1043mg | Potassium: 511mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1555IU | Vitamin C: 12.3mg | Calcium: 726mg | Iron: 4mg
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
Tried this recipe? That’s awesome!Mention @hostessatheart or tag #hostessatheart!

What is your favorite sauce for pasta? Please leave us a comment! I get my inspiration from you!

Main dishes· Pasta· Recipes· Seafood

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Comments

  1. michele says

    February 9, 2020 at 9:57 am

    The gruyere makes this recipe for me—– its perfect for all the sauce around the shrimp! — I bet this would be great for a potluck… YUMMY!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      February 9, 2020 at 10:55 pm

      Thank you, Michele!

      Reply
  2. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

    June 6, 2019 at 2:33 pm

    Shrimp pasta is one of my favourite dishes. I’ll certainly be giving your recipe a try!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 7, 2019 at 7:32 pm

      Thank you Bintu!

      Reply
  3. Jenni LeBaron says

    June 6, 2019 at 2:16 pm

    This looks absolutely delicious and super easy to throw together for a special night in! I also LOVE that you’ve use gruyere int his recipe because that’s a favorite of mine!

    Reply
  4. Tara says

    June 6, 2019 at 1:56 pm

    I love how easily this pasta dish comes together! Such wonderful flavors too! Definitely perfect for summer.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 9, 2019 at 1:22 pm

      Thank you, Tara!

      Reply
  5. Krissy Allori says

    June 6, 2019 at 1:10 pm

    This looks so good. I”ll be trying it for sure!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 9, 2019 at 1:22 pm

      Thank you, Krissy!

      Reply
  6. Anita @ Daily Cooking Quest says

    June 6, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    I love serving shrimps for my family since they think it must be super fancy and super difficult to pull off since shrimps dishes tend to be on the expensive side of a restaurant menu. 😉 And this shrimp pasta is so easy to prepare and super delicious. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 9, 2019 at 1:21 pm

      Thank you, Anita! I agree that it doesn’t have to be difficult or as expensive!

      Reply
  7. Michaela Kenkel says

    June 5, 2019 at 10:41 pm

    We made this tonight for supper and it was delicious!!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 7, 2019 at 7:32 pm

      Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  8. Michele says

    June 4, 2019 at 1:33 am

    This recipe was so easy and everyone LOVED it when I brought it to our company potluck! There wasnt a bite left!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 4, 2019 at 8:42 am

      Thank you, Michele!

      Reply
  9. Nikki says

    June 4, 2019 at 1:03 am

    Shrimp is perfect on Pasta! I think I will try it with each cheese recommendation. They are all so delicious.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 4, 2019 at 8:41 am

      Thank you, Nikki!

      Reply
  10. TIsha says

    June 3, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    I love adding shrimp to pasta!! Looks so good!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 4, 2019 at 8:39 am

      I’m with you, Tisha! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  11. Sophie says

    June 3, 2019 at 12:00 pm

    Love your recipe. Very well illustrated and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 4, 2019 at 8:38 am

      Thank you Sophie!

      Reply
  12. Caroline says

    June 3, 2019 at 11:48 am

    That’s a crazy story about alfredo (which I have to say I have never taken to, much as I do like cheese etc). This meanwhile looks like a tasty meal!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 4, 2019 at 8:38 am

      Thank you, Caroline! It was life changing for me!

      Reply
  13. Denise says

    June 3, 2019 at 11:32 am

    This dish looks incredible! Easy and all ingredients I usually have on hand, a good meal for those busy nights!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 4, 2019 at 8:37 am

      It is so easy and a perfect weeknight meal! Thank you!

      Reply
  14. Ana says

    June 3, 2019 at 11:27 am

    IOMG this sounds delicious Julie! I love anything shrimp and even better with pasta! It’s just me and my husband so I’m going to halve this recipe. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 4, 2019 at 8:37 am

      Thank you, Ana! I hope you’ll let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  15. debi at Life Currents says

    June 1, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    Shrimp are like the easiest meal for weeknights! This pasta looks delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 3, 2019 at 10:17 am

      I agree! Always good in a pinch!

      Reply
  16. Angela says

    May 30, 2019 at 5:43 pm

    Loving this! This pasta and shrimp is a meal my whole family would gobble right up! Thanks for helping me meal plan!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 30, 2019 at 10:27 pm

      Thank you, Angela!

      Reply

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