Picante Shrimp 'N Peppers Pasta
Spicy shrimp and colorful peppers are combined with pasta in a flavorful sauce, making this dish perfect for a quick, vibrant dinner full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rigatoni or other favorite pasta
- 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut into short thin strips
- 1 red or yellow pepper, cut into short thin strips ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried basil, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 c. picante sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and drain pasta according to package directions.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp, green pepper, red or yellow pepper, mushrooms, garlic, and basil.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until shrimp is cooked through and peppers are almost tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and picante sauce. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add cooked pasta; mix well. Serve with Parmesan cheese and additional picante sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If you want a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the flavor, so feel free to sprinkle some on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Picante Shrimp 'N Peppers Pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad, like an Aztec Salad, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta and heat it gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picante Shrimp 'N Peppers Pasta contains roughly 219 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent excess moisture from affecting the sauce.
What can I substitute for picante sauce?
If you don't have picante sauce on hand, you can use salsa or a homemade mixture of diced tomatoes, onions, and spices. Adjust the seasoning to your taste to achieve a similar flavor profile.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the rigatoni with a gluten-free pasta variety. There are many options available, like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta, which will work well and retain the dish's flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).