Description
A colorful and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender shrimp and fresh vegetables tossed in a light, creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this shrimp pasta primavera combines the sweetness of shrimp with crisp vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini, finished with parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic and white wine.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
12 oz spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Vegetables:
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
1 cup zucchini, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup white wine (or chicken/vegetable broth)
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Step 4: Make Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and white wine, simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add lemon juice and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Quick Version: Use frozen shrimp and pre-chopped vegetables to cut prep time.
- Creamy Variation: Swap cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Vegetable Options: Add peas, spinach, or mushrooms based on seasonal availability.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Pasta
- Method: Sauté / Boil / Toss
- Cuisine: Italian-American