Pasta Primavera with Shrimp

Name: Pasta Primavera with Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, for garnish; Lemon wedges, for serving

Highlighted under: Fit & Flavorful Recipes

When I think of vibrant, fresh flavors, I immediately think of Pasta Primavera with Shrimp. This delightful dish combines tender shrimp with a colorful array of seasonal vegetables, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. I love how simple yet elegant this recipe is, allowing the ingredients to shine without overpowering each other. The light olive oil and garlic sauce perfectly coats the pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. It’s my go-to dish when I need something quick but impressive.

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:06:27.205Z

Creating Pasta Primavera with Shrimp was an experiment that turned into one of my favorite dishes. I started with a mix of seasonal vegetables and plump shrimp, letting their natural flavors guide the seasoning. Using garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice really brings everything together, brightening the dish. I found that sautéing the vegetables until just tender ensures they maintain a nice crunch, giving a wonderful texture to the meal.

What I learned during this process is the importance of timing. Cooking the shrimp separately and adding them at the last minute means they stay juicy and perfectly cooked. I love to serve this dish warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for that extra burst of flavor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh and colorful ingredients that brighten your plate
Quick to make, yet impressive enough for guests
Light and satisfying, perfect for any season

Understanding the Ingredients

The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and zucchini not only make this dish visually appealing but also contribute to its nutritional value. Bell peppers are packed with vitamins A and C, while zucchini is a great source of hydration and fiber. When choosing your vegetables, look for ones that are firm and have a glossy finish, indicating freshness. If you want to get creative, feel free to substitute asparagus or snap peas for the vegetables, as they both complement the dish well and add a unique crunch.

The shrimp in this recipe are key to adding protein while still keeping the dish light and fresh. Opt for medium to large shrimp for a satisfying bite. Always purchase shrimp that are frozen until just before cooking; thawing should be done either overnight in the refrigerator or by placing them in a colander under cold running water for about 15 minutes. This ensures that they stay juicy and tender, preventing them from becoming rubbery during cooking.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasta

Cooking pasta to the perfect 'al dente' texture is crucial for this recipe. This means the pasta should be cooked until it's firm to the bite. To achieve this, keep an eye on the recommended cooking time on the package, but start tasting it a minute or two earlier. If the pasta sticks together, adding a dash of oil to the cooking water can help keep it separate and reduce clumping, ensuring you end up with perfectly cooked noodles that don't mush together in the skillet.

Timing is also vital when combining pasta with shrimp and vegetables. After draining the pasta, ideally, it should enter the skillet while the shrimp are still cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together seamlessly. If the pasta cools too much, you can toss it in the skillet for a minute over low heat before serving. This helps to ensure that the olive oil and garlic coating clings beautifully to each strand.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious Pasta Primavera with Shrimp:

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create your Pasta Primavera with Shrimp:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Cook the Shrimp

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the remaining olive oil and garlic. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Combine Everything

Once the shrimp are cooked, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice until combined.

Serve

Plate the Pasta Primavera with Shrimp and garnish with fresh basil and lemon wedges. Enjoy your colorful and tasty creation!

Enjoy your delicious Pasta Primavera with Shrimp, perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips

For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes during the sautéing process. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what's in season.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta Primavera with Shrimp can be served as a standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a light salad or crusty garlic bread for a more complete dining experience. Consider tossing a simple arugula salad with a vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or a dollop of ricotta on top before serving for an extra touch of creaminess and flavor.

For a slightly different twist, you can turn this dish into a pasta bake. After combining your ingredients, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This variation is perfect for meal prep or a delightful twist on leftovers.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're prepping for a busy week, consider making the vegetable and shrimp sauté in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and simply reheat it in a skillet while cooking the pasta fresh. This helps maintain the texture of the pasta while saving time. You can also portion out servings and store them in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

When it comes to freezing, be aware that pasta may not maintain its texture after thawing. Instead, freeze the shrimp and veggie mix separately without the pasta. When ready to eat, thaw and sauté the mixture, then add freshly cooked pasta. This way, you enjoy all the freshness of the dish every time, making it a wholesome meal in just a matter of minutes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

→ What vegetables can I substitute?

You can substitute any seasonal vegetables you like, such as asparagus, broccoli, or snap peas.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta, this dish can be gluten-free.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the shrimp and use extra vegetables or plant-based protein for a hearty vegan dish.