Shrimp Pasta Primavera

Shrimp Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors with the sweetness of shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a rich, tangy sauce. This dish is easy to make and quick to cook, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s loaded with nutritious veggies, making it a well-rounded, satisfying meal!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 10 ounces rotini pasta

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 ½ cups asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 cup red bell pepper, julienned

• 1 cup zucchini, cut into chunks

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup frozen corn

• ½ cup frozen peas

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1 ¼ cups chicken broth, low sodium

• 1 chicken bouillon cube

• 1 ¼ cups half-and-half

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon mustard powder

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

1. Cook the rotini pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the shrimp for 3 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.

3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

2. Add the asparagus, red bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables reach your desired softness.

3. Remove the vegetables and set aside with the cooked shrimp.

Make the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and chicken bouillon cube. Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the half-and-half until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.

Finish the Sauce:

1. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Veggies:

1. Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, vegetables, corn, peas, and lemon juice to the sauce. Stir gently to combine and let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Serve:

1. Serve the Shrimp Pasta Primavera hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Calories: 566 per serving

Tips

• Veggies: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or carrots based on your preference.

• Make it Spicy: If you like some heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Protein: This recipe works great with chicken or tofu instead of shrimp if you’d like to switch things up.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you like—penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work well.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Shrimp cooks very quickly. Be sure to watch it closely as it turns pink and opaque. Once it reaches this point, it’s done!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the half-and-half with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan.

Can I make this in advance?

You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time (cooking the pasta, shrimp, and veggies), and then just combine everything with the sauce when you’re ready to serve. This way, you can cut down on cooking time during meal prep.

Conclusion

Shrimp Pasta Primavera is a perfect combination of vibrant vegetables, tender shrimp, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is full of color, texture, and taste, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner on a busy weeknight or as part of a special meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

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