Pasta Primavera With Shrimp

Many healthy eaters are quick to cut pasta out of their diets, but dishes like this Shrimp Pasta Primavera have plenty of good-for-you benefits. This shrimp primavera is filled with colorful veggies and light shrimp, and the homemade sauce isn't heavy like its jarred or cream-filled counterparts.

The key to this one-pot dish is cooking the shrimp, vegetables, and pasta in stages. When combined, all of the ingredients will be perfectly al dente and coated in a tasty sauce that is slightly thickened by the starch in the pasta. Add more spring flavor by stirring in a tablespoon of chopped soft herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil into the pasta along with the cooked shrimp.

Learn how to make Shrimp Pasta Primavera, and to make this dinner vegetarian, simply nix the shrimp and use water or vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

What Is Pasta Primavera?

"Primavera" is an Italian term that means "spring." It often refers to a pasta dish with fresh vegetables in the mix, highlighting seasoning varieties for a vibrant, springlike essence.

This beloved dish is rumored to have been created in 1975, when famed restauranteur Sirio Maccioni traveled to Nova Scotia. Once there, Sirio and his chefs experimented with game and fish, but their host, Bacon Carlo Amato, wanted something different.

A dish was then created with butter, cheese, cream, vegetables, and pasta. It was such a hit, Sirio brought it back to his restaurant Le Cirque in New York, where it remained an off-menu special in the traditionally French restaurant. It took off in popularity in 1977 after an article was written, bringing the off-menu dish to light.

Ingredients for Pasta Primavera With Shrimp

A celebration of the bright produce available in the spring and summer months, this shrimp primavera recipe showcases red bell pepper, snap peas, spinach, and broccolini for a vibrant and flavorful result. To make pasta primavera with shrimp, you'll need:

• Olive oil: To sauté the shrimp and veggies.
• Raw medium shrimp: Adds a delicate, sweet, and briny flavor to the pasta, along with protein to bulk up the dish.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Red bell pepper: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and bright color to the dish.
• Snap peas: For a sweet, slightly crunchy texture.
• Shallot: Adds a mild, oniony flavor for additional depth.
• Gemelli pasta: Pasta with a twisted shape that holds nicely onto the sauce.
• Unsalted chicken stock: A savory cooking liquid for the pasta.
• Baby spinach: For a tender green addition.
• Broccolini: Adds a slightly bitter, peppery flavor.
• White wine vinegar: Acidity to balance and brighten the dish.
• Pecorino Romano cheese: For a nutty, cheesy addition.
• Crushed red pepper: Adds a touch of heat to the dish.
  

How To Make Pasta Primavera With Shrimp

Just 30 minutes and one pot are needed to cook up this veggie-forward, satisfying pasta dish. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Cook shrimp: Heat some oil in a Dutch oven. Season shrimp with salt, add to pot, and cook through.
• Step 2. Cook vegetables: Remove shrimp and pour out remaining drippings. Add remaining oil to pot, then add bell pepper, snap peas, and shallot, and cook until tender. Set mixture aside with shrimp and cover.
• Step 3. Add pasta: Add pasta, stock, and remaining salt to Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Cook until pasta is almost tender. Add spinach and Broccolini and cook until wilted.
• Step 4. Add shrimp: Stir in shrimp mixture, and vinegar. Serve with cheese and pepper.

Pasta Primavera with Shrimp Variations

To add your own unique twist to this shrimp primavera, consider these additions and substitutions:

• Veggies: Bulk up the veggies with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, mushrooms, other colors of bell peppers, green beans, or broccoli in the place of broccolini, if needed.
• Protein: Swap the shrimp with grilled or shredded chicken, crispy bacon or pancetta, seared scallops, or even tofu.
• Herbs: Add fresh basil, parsley, or oregano for an herbaceous addition.
• Nuts: Sprinkle on toasted pine nuts for a light crunch.
• Cheese: Sprinkle the dish with Parmesan cheese in the place of pecorino Romano, if preferred.
• Citrus: Add a little lemon zest for a citrusy touch.
• Pasta: Swap the gemelli pasta with penne, fusilli, farfalle, linguini, or other pasta shapes, as needed.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock and leave out the shrimp for a vegetarian option.

What To Serve With Pasta Primavera

This hearty dish is a one-pot meal on its own, chock full of fresh veggies, tender shrimp, and perfectly al dente pasta. Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread as an extra accompaniment, or bulk up the meal by serving with a mixed green, Caprese, or Caesar salad. And of course, don't forget the white wine to elevate this dish to company-worthy territory.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Pasta Primavera

To store leftover shrimp primavera, cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth, if needed, for additional moisture. You can also microwave small portions, or cover and place into a preheated 350°F oven until hot throughout.

More Hearty Pasta Dinner Recipes

Rich, creamy, and comforting, these satisfying pasta dinner recipes are sure to please the whole family:

• Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
• Baked Tortellini Alfredo with Mushrooms
• Buttermilk Alfredo Chicken Spinach Pasta
• Creamy Pesto-and-Shrimp Penne with Peas
• Shrimp and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta
• Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.