When you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and just the right amount of kick, this Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Imagine tender shrimp swimming in a lively arrabbiata sauce with crisp broccoli florets and sweet bell peppers, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick, nourishing meal that livens up any dinner table and becomes an instant favorite for anyone who loves a bit of spice with their seafood and veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe is all in its simple, approachable ingredients. Each component plays an important role—from the hearty whole wheat pasta that gives texture to the dish, to the fresh veggies that add crunch and color, and the spicy sauce that ties everything together.
- Whole wheat pasta (8 ounces): Choose linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a wholesome base that holds sauce beautifully.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 ½ tablespoons): This adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
- Broccoli florets (1 large head, about 5 cups): These provide a fresh, crisp texture and vibrant green color.
- Yellow bell pepper (1 medium, sliced): Adds a hint of sweetness and brightens the dish visually.
- Red bell pepper (1 medium, sliced): Balances the yellow with a bit more sweetness and eye-catching color.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances natural flavors and seasons the vegetables during cooking.
- Shallot (1, minced): Offers a subtle onion flavor that melds beautifully with garlic.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma and savory depth.
- Spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce (25-ounce jar): This is the heart of the dish, delivering that signature spicy tomato flavor.
- Raw large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Cooks quickly and brings a succulent seafood element to complement the veggies.
- Fresh parsley (3 tablespoons, minced): Adds freshness and a pop of green at the finish.
- Parmesan cheese (3 tablespoons, finely grated, optional): For a touch of umami and creamy richness on top if you like.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking your pasta al dente is essential here because it will continue to absorb flavors once mixed with the sauce. Follow the package instructions carefully; you want tender noodles with a slight bite for the perfect mouthfeel.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets, red and yellow bell peppers along with the kosher salt. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for about 2 minutes to begin softening them while still keeping that satisfying crunch. Add the minced shallot and cook until it starts to brown lightly, which deepens the flavor. Finally, stir in the garlic and saute just until it becomes fragrant — don’t let it burn, or it might turn bitter.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Shrimp
Pour in the jar of spicy arrabbiata sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add your cleaned, raw shrimp to the skillet, turning them as they cook so each one turns a pretty pink and becomes opaque. This step only takes a few minutes—overcooked shrimp lose their tender texture, so keep an eye on them.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your pasta and immediately transfer it to the skillet with the shrimp and vegetable sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly so every strand of pasta is coated with the spicy, flavorful sauce. This combination of textures—from the soft pasta to the crunchy veggies and juicy shrimp—is what makes this dish so exciting.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Sprinkle the minced fresh parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re a Parmesan fan, grate some finely on top—it adds a lovely creamy kick that complements the spicy sauce beautifully. Serve this dish right away for that warm, freshly cooked goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves for a lovely herbal accent. A dash of extra Parmesan cheese or even a few chili flakes can also amp up the flavor if you crave a little more heat or creaminess. Lemon wedges on the side provide a zesty brightness that balances the spiciness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed lightly in lemon vinaigrette, which adds a refreshing contrast to the bold spice. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is another classic choice to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad offer a nice balance as well.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve the pasta in shallow bowls that showcase all the colorful ingredients. You could also pile it high onto square plates for a modern touch. For a fun twist, try baking individual portions in small casserole dishes topped with mozzarella and broiled until bubbly, transforming this simple dish into something a little special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even nicer overnight, so leftovers can be just as tasty, if not better.
Freezing
Because shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated, this recipe is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen. If you want to freeze components, consider freezing the sauce separately without shrimp and fresh veggies, then add them fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the shrimp tender and the vegetables crisp-tender. Quick reheating helps preserve the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of this dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture for your Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe.
How spicy is the arrabbiata sauce?
Arrabbiata sauce has a moderate heat level that adds a nice kick without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust spice by choosing a milder sauce or adding extra chili flakes if you prefer more heat.
Can I substitute the whole wheat pasta?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta type. White pasta, gluten-free options, or even a veggie-based noodle can work well with this recipe, though whole wheat gives extra fiber and a nutty flavor.
What if I don’t have bell peppers?
You can swap bell peppers with other crunchy vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or even carrots. They will bring a different but equally delightful taste and texture to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Definitely! With a total cooking time of about 30 minutes and minimal hands-on prep, this Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but fuss-free.
Final Thoughts
Give this Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe a try sometime soon — it’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you don’t make it every week. The harmony of spice, succulent shrimp, and fresh veggies makes it a satisfying and colorful plate guaranteed to brighten any dinner. I promise once you taste it, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for quick, delicious meals.
Print
Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and easy-to-make Spicy Shrimp Pasta featuring whole wheat noodles, tender shrimp, and crisp vegetables simmered in a flavorful arrabbiata sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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
Shrimp and Sauce
- 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. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets, red and yellow bell peppers, and kosher salt. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Shallot and Garlic: Add the minced shallot to the skillet and continue cooking until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the shallot starts to brown, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add Sauce and Shrimp: Pour in the spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook until they turn pink and become opaque, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce and mix in the shrimp and vegetables.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the minced fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the whole wheat pasta with gluten-free or regular pasta if preferred.
- If you prefer less spice, use a mild marinara sauce instead of arrabbiata.
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and creaminess.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh garnish that complements the spicy sauce.
