If you are craving a vibrant meal that bursts with flavor and color, let me introduce you to the Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe. This dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with tender, spicy shrimp, and the fresh crunch of broccoli and bright bell peppers. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of spice, sweetness, and savory goodness, making it a truly delightful dish to share with family or friends. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your taste buds, proving that healthy can be exciting and comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering quality ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the hearty whole wheat pasta to the colorful vegetables and succulent shrimp that soak up the spicy sauce beautifully.
- 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine noodles: Choose your favorite pasta shape; whole wheat adds extra fiber and a pleasant nuttiness.
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing the vegetables and shrimp.
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups): Adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces: Contributes a sweet, fresh flavor and brightens the dish.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces: Offers a lovely color contrast and natural sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1 shallot, minced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic kick to the dish.
- 1 (25-ounce) jar spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce: The star ingredient that delivers the perfect spicy punch.
- 1 pound raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Quick-cooking and perfectly tender, they soak up the sauce’s flavors wonderfully.
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous notes.
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, creamy finish if you like a cheesy touch.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it will have the perfect bite and won’t get mushy when tossed with the sauce later. Follow the package directions carefully, then drain the pasta once done. This foundational step sets the stage for a dish that’s balanced and satisfying.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat your extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and colorful red and yellow bell pepper pieces along with the kosher salt. Cooking them for about two minutes allows the vegetables to start softening while retaining that satisfying crunch. Adding the minced shallot next adds a gentle sweetness as it caramelizes slightly, then your garlic follows, releasing its signature aroma which infuses the vegetables with a lovely depth of flavor.
Step 3: Simmer with the Spicy Sauce and Shrimp
Pour in the jar of spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then add your peeled and deveined large shrimp, stirring to coat each piece in the vibrant sauce. Shrimp cook very quickly—you’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is where the dish truly comes alive with bold flavor and succulent texture.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Finish
Drain your cooked pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the spicy shrimp and vegetable sauce. Toss everything together so that every strand and morsel is coated in the bold, spicy sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness and Parmesan cheese if you like a creamy, savory touch. Serve it immediately while everything is warm, inviting, and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, you can garnish your dish with additional fresh parsley or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese. A small drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can also elevate the taste and add a lovely sheen to the pasta.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. For a fuller meal, roasted asparagus or a light tomato salad would complement the spicy and fresh flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Present this dish family-style in a large beautiful bowl so everyone can serve themselves and experience the vibrant colors and inviting aromas firsthand. Alternatively, serving individual portions topped with a lemon wedge allows guests to add a zesty brightness according to their taste. You might even try layering the pasta with some extra shrimp and veggies on top for a restaurant-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers of the Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb more sauce over time, making the dish thicker, so a splash of water or broth can help when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible, but it’s best to freeze the sauce with the shrimp and vegetables separately from the pasta to maintain the best texture. Pasta tends to become mushy after thawing and reheating, so cook fresh pasta when ready to serve again.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp and sauce mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary to loosen the sauce. Then add freshly cooked pasta or gently reheat pasta leftovers, combining just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the sauce to avoid excess water diluting the flavors.
How spicy is the Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe?
The spice level comes from the arrabbiata sauce, which has a moderate heat. You can adjust it by choosing a mild or extra spicy sauce depending on your preference.
Can I substitute the whole wheat pasta with gluten-free noodles?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well here. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the shrimp for hearty plant-based proteins like sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and keep all the wonderful vegetables and spicy sauce for a vegetarian delight.
What can I serve this pasta with for a light dinner?
Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed green beans to keep the meal balanced yet satisfying without feeling overly heavy.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time — a true winner for any night of the week. Its lively flavors and colorful presentation make it a joy to cook and even more fun to eat. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and experience firsthand how simple ingredients can come together to create something absolutely spectacular!
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Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Spicy Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining whole wheat pasta with tender shrimp, crisp-tender vegetables, and a zesty arrabbiata sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both healthy and satisfying with a delightful kick of spice.
Ingredients
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
Sauce and Protein
- 1 (25-ounce) jar spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce
- 1 pound raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Finishing Touches
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets, yellow and red bell peppers, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for 2 minutes to soften slightly. Add minced shallot and continue cooking until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the shallot begins to brown. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add Sauce and Shrimp: Pour in the 25-ounce jar of spicy arrabbiata sauce and bring to a simmer. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes depending on shrimp size.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and vegetable sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the spicy sauce and distribute the shrimp and veggies throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of freshly minced parsley over the pasta. Optionally, top with 3 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese to enhance flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a milder dish, reduce the amount of arrabbiata sauce or use a less spicy pasta sauce.
- Whole wheat pasta adds fiber but can be substituted with regular pasta if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice creamy, savory note.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
