This creamy shrimp pasta primavera is a hit for family dinners and a great way to enjoy fresh flavors. It's customizable—swap out the veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.

The rich sauce paired with succulent shrimp and tender pasta makes it a dish everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients

1. ½ (8-ounce) package spaghetti

2. 3 tablespoons olive oil

3. ¼ cup chopped onion

4. 1 large clove garlic, minced

5. ⅓ cup sliced fresh mushrooms

6. ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper

7. 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

8. 1 splash white cooking liquid (optional)

9. 1 pinch dried oregano (optional)

10. ½ cup heavy cream (or to taste)

11. 3 tablespoons butter

12. 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional)

13. 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper (or to taste)

14. 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

15. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large vessel of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are lightly browned and the bell pepper is softened.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, followed by a splash of white cooking liquid (if using) and a pinch of oregano (optional). Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the shrimp start to turn pink. Once the shrimp is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream and butter. Allow the mixture to simmer for 8 minutes, stirring constantly to help the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything to combine. If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle in a little flour and stir. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Before serving, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Customizing Your Dish

One of the best parts about this creamy shrimp pasta is its versatility. You can adjust the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have in your pantry. Zucchini, spinach, or peas would all work wonderfully in this dish. You can also try using whole-wheat pasta for a healthier option or adding a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Final Thoughts

This creamy shrimp pasta primavera is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. With its rich, velvety sauce, tender shrimp, and fresh veggies, it's a complete meal in one bowl. The best part? It's so easy to make that you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish at home, tailored exactly to your tastes.