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shrimp spaghetti homemade tomato basil sauce

Shrimp Spaghetti with Homemade Tomato-Basil Sauce & Spinach

A quick Italian-inspired pasta featuring juicy shrimp tossed with homemade tomato-basil sauce, fresh spinach, garlic, and spaghetti for an easy yet elegant dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 3
Calories 470 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 8–10 ounces spaghetti
  • ½–¾ pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3–4 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves divided

Optional

  • Red pepper flakes
  • Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
  • Lemon zest
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh basil

Homemade Tomato-Basil Sauce

  • 1 can 14–15 oz whole peeled or crushed tomatoes
  • 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves sliced
  • 8–12 fresh basil leaves torn
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of sugar optional
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add sliced garlic and optional red pepper flakes.
  • Cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar if needed.
  • Simmer for 10–12 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon.
  • Stir in most of the basil during the final minute.

Step 2

  • Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in well-salted boiling water until just shy of al dente.
  • Reserve ½–1 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 3

  • Heat olive oil in another skillet.
  • Cook the remaining garlic until fragrant.
  • Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side.
  • Transfer shrimp to a plate.

Step 4

  • Add spinach to the tomato sauce and cook until wilted.
  • Return shrimp to the skillet.
  • Add spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water.
  • Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5

  • Finish with extra basil, freshly cracked black pepper, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • San Marzano tomatoes produce the richest flavor.
  • Reserve your pasta water—it helps create a silky sauce.
  • Fresh basil should always be added near the end.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.