Imagine a mouthwatering meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, dirties only one pot, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen! This One Pot Pasta Primavera with Shrimp is not just a recipe—it's a culinary magic trick that will transform your weeknight dinner routine. Packed with succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta, this Italian-inspired dish promises to be your new go-to comfort meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Peel and devein shrimp, ensuring they are pat dried with paper towels.
- Select a large, wide skillet or Dutch oven with high sides that can accommodate all ingredients comfortably. Place the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil to the skillet and heat until it shimmers. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add mixed vegetables to the skillet, stirring and cooking for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften slightly. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place uncooked spaghetti into the skillet, arranging it in a crisscross pattern. Pour enough water or low-sodium chicken broth to just cover the pasta.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Gently stir and cook for 8-10 minutes, occasionally moving pasta to prevent sticking.
- When pasta is nearly al dente, add shrimp on top of the pasta. Cover and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes. The remaining liquid will create a light sauce. Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley for added freshness.
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure they sear beautifully and don't release excess moisture.
- Use a wide, high-sided skillet to give ingredients ample room to cook evenly.
- Don't walk away while sautéing garlic—it can burn quickly and become bitter.
- Arrange spaghetti in a crisscross pattern to help it cook more evenly and prevent clumping.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water for an extra layer of flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 2 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to naturally thicken.
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and add extra vegetables.
- Always have fresh Parmesan on hand to elevate the final presentation and taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 180mg
