Creamy Shrimp Pasta Primavera
This Creamy Shrimp Pasta Primavera is a delightful one-dish meal that brings together al dente spaghetti, succulent shrimp, and a rainbow of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, buttery cream sauce. With the ease of preparing everything in the microwave using a DCB (Deep Covered Baker), this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor. Whether you choose to add vibrant vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots or keep it simple, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Ready in just about 25 minutes, your taste buds will rejoice in this easy yet sophisticated meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti noodles
8 ounces (uncooked, broken in half)
Chicken broth
2 1/4 cups (liquid)
Milk
3/4 cup (liquid)
Butter
1/3 cup (cubed)
Garlic cloves
4 (pressed)
Lemon pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon (seasoning)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Shrimp
1 lb (uncooked, peeled and deveined, tails removed)
Carrots
2 medium (peeled and julienned (optional))
Red bell pepper
1 medium (cut into strips (optional))
Cream cheese
2 ounces (softened (optional))
Broccoli florets
2 cups (fresh small florets (optional))
Sugar snap peas
1 cup (trimmed (optional))
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half into manageable pieces.
2
In a DCB, combine the broken noodles, chicken broth, milk, butter, pressed garlic, and lemon pepper seasoning.
3
Cover the DCB and microwave on high for 14-17 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
4
While the pasta cooks, prepare your optional vegetables by julienning the carrots and cutting the red bell pepper into strips. Cut the broccoli into small florets and trim the sugar snap peas.
5
Once the noodles are cooked, carefully remove the DCB from the microwave.
6
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir in your prepared optional ingredients.
7
Gently fold in the uncooked shrimp, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta and vegetables.
8
Cover the DCB again and microwave for an additional 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are fully cooked.
9
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Shrimp Pasta Primavera?
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Primavera is a one-dish microwave meal featuring spaghetti, shrimp, and fresh vegetables in a buttery cream sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire recipe takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare and cook from start to finish.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is specifically designed for a fast and sophisticated weeknight meal that saves time by using the microwave.
What equipment is necessary for this recipe?
You will need a microwave and a Deep Covered Baker (DCB) or a similar large microwave-safe dish with a lid.
Can I use a different container if I do not have a Deep Covered Baker?
Yes, any large microwave-safe dish that has a tight-fitting lid can be used as a substitute.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti noodles.
Do I need to boil the pasta in water beforehand?
No, the noodles cook directly in the broth and milk mixture within the microwave baker.
Why should I break the spaghetti noodles in half?
Breaking the noodles makes them more manageable to stir and ensures they fit properly inside the cooking dish.
What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Use one pound of uncooked shrimp that have been peeled, deveined, and have the tails removed for the best results.
Should the shrimp be cooked before adding them to the pasta?
No, the shrimp are added raw and are fully cooked during the final three minutes of microwaving.
How can I tell if the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are cooked when they turn opaque, pink, and are no longer translucent.
Which vegetables are recommended for this primavera?
Recommended optional vegetables include carrots, red bell pepper, broccoli, and sugar snap peas.
Is cream cheese a required ingredient?
No, cream cheese is listed as an optional ingredient that can be added for extra sauce creaminess.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use different types of milk, though higher fat content will result in a richer sauce.
What seasonings give the dish its flavor?
The dish is seasoned with fresh pressed garlic cloves and a tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a suitable substitute for chicken broth in this recipe.
How long is the initial microwave cooking time for the pasta?
The pasta should be microwaved on high for 14 to 17 minutes initially until the noodles are tender.
Why is it important to stir the mixture halfway through cooking?
Stirring halfway ensures even cooking of the pasta and prevents the noodles from sticking together.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese is stirred in after the noodles are tender, just before adding the shrimp and vegetables.
How should I prepare the carrots for this dish?
The carrots should be peeled and julienned into thin, matchstick-sized strips.
What is the best way to cut the broccoli for this dish?
The broccoli should be cut into fresh, small florets to ensure they cook quickly in the microwave.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Fresh vegetables are recommended for texture, but frozen ones can be used if they are thawed and drained first.
What should I do if the pasta is still firm after the initial cooking?
If the noodles are not tender, microwave them in additional 1-2 minute increments until soft.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe typically serves approximately 4 people.
What can be used to garnish the finished dish?
You can garnish the pasta with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is a savory and mild dish, with the lemon pepper providing a zesty rather than spicy flavor.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken or tofu.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Can this recipe be made on a stovetop?
While designed for the microwave, ingredients can be cooked on a stove, though liquid ratios and times will change.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, this is a complete one-dish meal as the pasta, vegetables, and protein are all cooked together in the baker.