creamy gemelli pasta with shrimp and spring vegetables
Lyndon Klingler
Ingredients
- Gemelli Pasta
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil
- Garlic Cloves (minced)
- Fresh Shrimp Scampi Sauce (optional, for a creamier texture)
- Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- Zucchini (sliced)
- Bell Peppers (diced, any color)
- Broccoli Florets
- Snap Peas (trimmed and halved)
- Snow Peas (trimmed)
- Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Lemon Juice
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
**Keywords:** creamy gemelli pasta, shrimp pasta recipe, spring vegetables, avocado oil, olive oil, garlic, scampi sauce, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, snow peas, basil, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, parmesan cheese
Steps
### Creamy Gemelli Pasta with Shrimp and Spring Vegetables Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- **200g** gemelli pasta
- **16 large shrimp**, peeled and deveined
- **1 cup** fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- **1/2 cup** cherry tomatoes, halved
- **1/4 cup** chopped shallots
- **3 cloves** garlic, minced
- **2 tbsp** olive oil
- **1 tsp** dried oregano
- **Pinch of red pepper flakes**
- **Salt and pepper**, to taste
- **1/2 cup** heavy cream
- **1/4 cup** grated Parmesan cheese
- **Lemon wedges, for garnish**
#### Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling water
- Skillet or large pan
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Pasta and Shrimp:**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook gemelli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
2. **Cook the Asparagus and Shallots:**
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute.
3. **Add Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes:**
- Add asparagus spears to the skillet with the shallot mixture. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until tender but still crisp.
- Incorporate cherry tomatoes into the mix and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just enough time for them to slightly soften.
4. **Prepare the Shrimp:**
- In a separate pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. **Combine Ingredients and Make Creamy Sauce:**
- Return the asparagus mixture to the skillet and add heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
- Add the reserved gemelli pasta and half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if necessary for a smoother consistency.
6. **Finish and Serve:**
- Fold in cooked shrimp into the pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with lemon wedges before serving.
#### Tips & SEO Keywords:
- *Gemelli pasta* pairs perfectly with a creamy sauce, making it a perfect choice for this dish.
- Use *fresh spring vegetables* like asparagus and cherry tomatoes to add vibrant color and flavor.
- Seasoning with *dried oregano* and *red pepper flakes* will give the dish an authentic taste.
- Don't forget to include *lemon wedges* for a burst of freshness on top, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
This recipe ensures you have a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Enjoy your meal!
**Keywords:** creamy gemelli pasta, shrimp, spring vegetables, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon wedges