Name: Shrimp Pasta Primavera Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti; 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1 lb frozen shrimp (deshelled and defrosted (about 35 shrimp)); 1 head broccoli; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; 1 tbsp flour; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 cup 2% milk; 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (sliced (packed in oil)); 1/2 cup frozen peas (defrosted)

This lighter Shrimp Pasta Primavera recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, made with fresh veggies, yummy shrimp and the creamiest sauce!

Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence with this shrimp pasta primavera. Packed with vibrant flavors, fresh vegetables, and succulent shrimp, all tossed in a light yet creamy sauce, it's sooo satisfying and nutritious!

Why you'll love this recipe

Quick weeknight dinner: Stress-free and delicious for those busy weeks.
Lighter comfort food: All the flavour, none of the guilt.

Ingredients and substitutions

Spaghetti – you can make this recipe with any pasta of your choice like bowtie or penne noodles.
Pasta water – this will help thicken the sauce. You could also use a cornstarch slurry or a potato starch slurry.
Butter – or your favourite butter substitute like margarine.
Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
Red onion – white onion or yellow onion can be used instead.
Frozen shrimp – you could also try making this recipe with chicken breast or chicken thighs! Leave the protein out entirely if you want a vegetarian dish.
Broccoli – substitute for another veggie of your choice like brussels sprouts, cauliflower or asparagus.
Lemon zest – leave this out if you don't have any on hand.
Red chili flakes – this adds a bit of kick, so if you're not a fan of spice, you can skip the red chili flakes.
Flour – cornstarch or potato starch can be used instead.
Lemon juice – freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice can be used.
Milk – I use 2% milk, but you could also use heavy cream or a dairy-free milk of your choice.
Parmesan – nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute.
Sundried tomatoes – roasted red peppers would also be good here.
Frozen peas – substitute for another frozen veggie of your choice like frozen corn.

Overhead shot of ingredients for lighter shrimp pasta and labeled each

How to make shrimp primavera

Step 1: Cook the noodles.

Cook the pasta, saving about 1 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic and onions.

Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onions..

Step 3: Add the shrimp and veggies.

Cook shrimp and vegetables the shrimp are pink and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Make the sauce.

Whisk together the sauce ingredients.

Step 5: Add sundried tomatoes and peas.

Stir in the sundried tomatoes and peas to the skillet.

Step 6: Mix in the pasta and pasta water.

Add the cooked pasta and pasta water to the skillet.

Step 7: Toss.

Toss gently until everything is evenly combined.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy!

Serve and enjoy the deliciousness!

Recipe Tips

Shrimp savvy: Don't overcook the shrimp, and remember that smaller shrimp cook faster.
Prep ahead: Chop your veggies before you start cooking to save time.
Pasta perfection: Salt the pasta water generously and cook the past al dente.
Put it all together: Combine pasta and veggies to the sauce gently to avoid breaking the pasta or overcooking the shrimp. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to peel and devein the shrimp?

Yes, I'd recommend peeling and deveining shrimp before cooking. You can also buy them pre-peeled and deveined to save time.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked through?

The shrimp should be pink and opaque throughout. They will also curl slightly.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

While fresh or thawed shrimp are ideal, you could use pre-cooked shrimp in a pinch. Add them at the very end of cooking just to heat them through, since they're already cooked. Be careful not to overheat them as they can become rubbery.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) can add nice depth of flavour to the sauce. Add it after sautéing the garlic and onions and let it reduce slightly before adding the other sauce ingredients.

What to serve with shrimp primavera

This pasta primavera with shrimp is pretty much an entire meal on its own! If you're looking for side dish ideas, here are some of my favourites:

Garlic bread or crusty bread
Brussels sprouts salad
Kale salad
Glazed carrots
Asparagus

How to store and reheat

Store: Place cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess, until heated through.

Freeze & Reheat from Frozen: I don't recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate, and the texture of the shrimp and vegetables can get mushy.

Shrimp Pasta Primavera Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

Ingredients and substitutions