Pasta Primavera with Shrimp

Introduction

Pasta Primavera with Shrimp is a dish that captures the vibrant flavors of the season in every bite—tender shrimp, crisp sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a light garlic sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes gourmet, yet comes together with ease on any weeknight. The combination of fresh veggies and succulent shrimp makes for a meal that is both nourishing and delightfully colorful—ideal for everything from family dinners to special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Pasta Primavera with Shrimp

This recipe is celebrated for its versatility and flavor profile. The sweetness of shrimp pairs beautifully with tender asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini, all tossed in a savory sauce that allows the ingredients to shine. It’s a light, satisfying meal that showcases the best of spring and summer produce, making it a go-to option for anyone wanting a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition.

How to Prepare Shrimp for Pasta Primavera

Begin by using fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before tossing lightly in salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the shrimp until pink and just opaque—overcooking can make shrimp rubbery, so keep a close eye and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side. Set aside until ready to combine with the vegetables and pasta.

Bringing It All Together: Veggies, Pasta, and Sauce

Select a bright medley of vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté these in olive oil over medium-high heat, seasoning with garlic, salt, and fresh cracked pepper until tender-crisp but still vibrant. Cook your favorite pasta (linguine or penne work well) until al dente, reserving about a cup of the pasta water. Toss veggies, shrimp, and pasta together, adding pasta water as needed to create a glossy, cohesive sauce. Finish with a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Serving Suggestions for Pasta Primavera with Shrimp

Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs and lemon wedges for a bright finish. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. For an elegant touch, sprinkle more Parmesan on top, along with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4, offering a balanced meal of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on pasta choice and added toppings. It’s a satisfying, complete meal with plenty of veggies.

Pasta Primavera with Shrimp (Recap)

Vibrant, satisfying, and adaptable, Pasta Primavera with Shrimp brings a flavorful blend of seafood and spring vegetables to your table, perfect for impressing guests or making weeknight dinners more special.

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; then drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add shrimp to skillet; cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
3. Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add asparagus, zucchini, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until veggies begin to soften.
4. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the ingredients.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, more fresh herbs, and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Pasta Primavera with Shrimp recipe is an excellent addition to your meal prep and weekly planning rotation. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to organize when you’ll make it, and let the platform generate a streamlined shopping list that integrates perfectly with your other planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

Automatically sums up all ingredient quantities across the week’s recipes

Sorts shopping lists by grocery aisle for faster store navigation

Consolidates needs, avoiding duplicate or forgotten ingredients

Saves time and minimizes stress during weekly meal prep

Pro tip: When planning multiple meals containing similar ingredients (like shrimp or fresh herbs), schedule your recipes so everything is calculated together. You’ll know exactly how much to buy, reduce food waste, and enjoy more variety with less effort.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes