Description
This Spicy Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining whole wheat pasta with a spicy arrabbiata sauce, tender shrimp, and crisp-tender vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that balances heat, protein, and fresh veggies for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine noodles
Vegetables
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups)
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein & Sauce
- 1 pound raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 (25-ounce) jar spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Garnish
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets, red and yellow bell peppers, and kosher salt. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced shallot and continue cooking until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the shallot begins to brown. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add Sauce and Shrimp: Pour in the spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3-5 minutes depending on size. Stir occasionally to ensure shrimp cooks evenly.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, shrimp, and vegetables. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated. Remove from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly minced parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For added heat, sprinkle some red chili flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
- Whole wheat pasta adds fiber but regular pasta can be substituted as preferred.
- Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
