- Fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (main ingredient)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (colorful addition)
- Zucchini, thinly sliced (healthy option)
- Bell peppers, sliced (adds sweetness)
- Asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces (spring vegetable)
- Garlic cloves, minced (taste enhancer)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (herb flavor)
- Olive oil (cooking medium)
- Heavy cream (creamy texture)
- White wine (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper (seasoning)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (topping for added richness)
- Lemon zest or juice (freshness boost)
Steps
## How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta Primavera: A Delicious Recipe
Are you looking for an easy yet delicious meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion? Try making creamy shrimp pasta primavera! This dish is packed with fresh vegetables and succulent shrimp, all simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. Follow the steps below to create this delightful Italian-inspired recipe.
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables**
- While the pasta is cooking, wash, peel, and dice your mixed vegetables. Cut them into bite-sized pieces that will cook quickly, ensuring they remain crisp-tender.
- Mince two cloves of garlic and set aside.
3. **Cook the Shrimp**
- In a large sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
4. **Sauté the Vegetables**
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, add the mixed vegetables to the pan, cooking them until they begin to soften (about 3-5 minutes).
5. **Make the Sauce**
- Add the heavy cream to the vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes.
6. **Combine Pasta and Sauce**
- Gently add the cooked pasta to the sauté pan, tossing it in the creamy vegetable and shrimp mixture until well coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with some of the reserved pasta water.
7. **Final Touches**
- Once everything is combined and heated through, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the creamy shrimp pasta primavera hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
### Tips for Success
- Use high-quality ingredients to ensure your dish tastes its best. Fresh vegetables and fresh shrimp make all the difference!
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key to maintaining that perfect texture.
- Keep an eye on the sauce consistency. It should be creamy but not too thick.
### Conclusion
Creamy shrimp pasta primavera is a delightful, satisfying meal that's simple to prepare yet impressive in its flavor. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying solo, this recipe is sure to become a favorite! With these steps, you can create a vibrant, flavorful dish that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
**Keywords:** creamy shrimp pasta primavera, Italian pasta recipes, shrimp pasta, vegetable pasta dishes, easy dinner recipes