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Shrimp Pasta Primavera

Shrimp Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, spring-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp and fresh vegetables tossed with al dente pasta. The recipe emphasizes quick sautéing and minimal ingredients, resulting in a bright, flavorful meal with a light, satisfying texture. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when fresh produce is in season and time is limited.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine or your preferred long pasta
  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 bell peppers bell peppers red or yellow, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil good quality
  • 1 lemon lemon juiced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in sliced bell peppers and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften but still retain their bright color and crunch. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle in the chopped basil. Toss everything together gently over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to combine and pasta to soak up the sauce.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan for a fresh, vibrant presentation. Enjoy this colorful, spring-inspired pasta dish hot off the stove.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing. Feel free to swap in other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or snap peas.