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
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
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.
