Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One of my most cherished kitchen memories is the first time I made Shrimp Pasta Primavera with Fresh Herbs. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and my sisters were over for lunch. I wanted something light, bright, and satisfying, a dish that felt like spring on a plate. I still remember the aroma of sizzling garlic and fresh herbs filling the kitchen it felt like magic. This recipe is now a staple in my home because it’s simple, colorful, and full of flavor. Whether I make it for a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday lunch, it always brings everyone together.
I’ve made this dish countless times, and I always use fresh herbs to make it sing. Every bite tastes like care, comfort, and love. Today, I’ll share exactly how I make it step by step so you can create this cozy meal in your own kitchen. Shrimp Pasta Primavera with Fresh Herbs is perfect for family dinners, dinner parties, or even meal prep lunches because it’s versatile, fresh, and satisfying.
Why I Love Making Shrimp Pasta Primavera with Fresh Herbs
There’s something magical about a dish that’s quick, nourishing, and beautiful on the plate. I love this recipe for several reasons:
- Freshness in every bite – The combination of shrimp, colorful vegetables, and vibrant herbs creates a symphony of flavors.
- Quick but impressive – It only takes about 30 minutes, yet it looks like a dish you’d order in a fancy restaurant.
- Family-friendly – My nieces adore it, and even picky eaters often ask for seconds.
- Versatile & forgiving – You can swap veggies or pasta types depending on what’s in your fridge.
Cooking this dish feels like an act of love. Every time I toss the pasta with garlic, lemon, shrimp, and herbs, I feel like I’m sending a little hug to my family.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s everything you need to make this dish extra special:
- 300g linguine or spaghetti
- 400g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini, julienned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, optional
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Little kitchen secrets:
- Always dry the shrimp before cooking; it helps them sear beautifully.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need 2–3 minutes per side.
- Add herbs at the very end to preserve their fresh flavor.
- Tossing pasta in a bit of pasta water helps the sauce cling perfectly.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the shrimp – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables – In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add bell peppers and zucchini; cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add tomatoes & peas – Stir in cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with white wine or vegetable broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Combine pasta & shrimp – Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss with lemon juice, lemon zest, and a little pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Finish with herbs – Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley and basil, and gently toss everything together. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve immediately – Plate the pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and drizzle a little olive oil on top if desired.
How I Serve It at Home
I usually serve Shrimp Pasta Primavera with Fresh Herbs in a wide, shallow bowl so the colors shine. I love adding a lemon wedge on the side it brightens every bite. Sometimes I serve it with a simple green salad or warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover juices. On weekends, I’ll pair it with a chilled glass of white wine and invite friends over. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation and makes everyone linger at the table.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or pasta water to keep it moist.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the vegetables and shrimp in advance, but I recommend cooking everything just before serving to preserve freshness.
100-Word Short Version
Shrimp Pasta Primavera with Fresh Herbs is a quick, colorful, and satisfying dish that brings spring to your plate. I sauté shrimp with garlic, then toss with bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and peas. A splash of white wine, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parsley and basil finish the dish. Serve with Parmesan cheese and crusty bread for a family-friendly meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe is fresh, flavorful, and full of love perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend lunches with friends and family.
Print
Shrimp Pasta Primavera with Fresh Herbs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Bright, colorful, and full of fresh herbs, this Shrimp Pasta Primavera is a quick and comforting meal perfect for family dinners or weekend lunches. Bursting with flavor and easy to make, it’s a dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 300g linguine or spaghetti
- 400g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini, julienned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, optional
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat; sauté seasoned shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink; remove.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook 1 minute.
- Add bell peppers and zucchini; sauté 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add cherry tomatoes and peas; cook 2 minutes and deglaze with wine or broth.
- Toss in cooked pasta and shrimp; add lemon juice, zest, and pasta water; mix well.
- Finish with fresh parsley and basil; adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately with Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Don’t overcook shrimp. Add herbs at the end for maximum freshness. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of pasta water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Conclusion
Making Shrimp Pasta Primavera with Fresh Herbs always reminds me why I love cooking. It’s a dish that’s bright, flavorful, and full of life just like the moments shared around the table. The colors, aromas, and textures bring joy to everyone who tastes it. I hope this recipe inspires you to create something beautiful in your kitchen, to enjoy with friends, family, or just a quiet, happy meal for yourself. Cooking is about love, memories, and flavor and this dish delivers all three.