Are you craving a delicious and healthy meal that's also quick to prepare? Look no further! This pasta with shrimp and vegetable recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, vibrant colors, and nutritious ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for a satisfying and easy dinner. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best – simple, delicious, and surprisingly healthy.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Delicious Essentials
This recipe easily serves two people, but it's easily scalable for larger groups.
- 8 oz linguine pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
This easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
- Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. If omitting the wine, simply proceed to the next step.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish
- Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust the vegetables: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus.
- Add some spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Variations: Endless Possibilities!
- Lemon Shrimp Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the skillet along with the Parmesan cheese.
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Increase the amount of garlic to your liking for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This pasta with shrimp and vegetables recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy! It's a great addition to your collection of best recipes and a fantastic quick dinner idea. This healthy meal is sure to become a family favorite!