Description
A quick and flavorful Spicy Shrimp Pasta recipe featuring whole wheat noodles, sautéed fresh vegetables, and a zesty arrabbiata sauce. This dish combines tender shrimp with crisp broccoli and bell peppers, tossed with spicy tomato sauce and finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
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
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 whole wheat spaghetti (or linguine/fettuccine) al dente according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets, red and yellow bell peppers, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced shallot to the skillet and continue cooking until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the shallot starts to brown. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Shrimp: Stir in the entire 25-ounce jar of spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce, bringing it to a simmer. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined raw large shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp in the simmering sauce for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and incorporate the shrimp and vegetables. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley and 3 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nuttier flavor, but any pasta shape will work.
- For a milder spice level, use plain marinara sauce instead of spicy arrabbiata.
- If shrimp is frozen, thaw completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Parmesan cheese is optional; omit for a dairy-free meal.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
