Seafood Pasta Primavera
A vibrant seafood pasta primavera featuring shrimp, scallops, and crab with fresh vegetables, perfect for a light, flavorful, and colorful meal that suits seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced purple onion and carrots to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets and sliced yellow squash to the skillet and cook until tender, another 3-4 minutes.
- Add shrimp, scallops, and imitation crab meat to the skillet and cook until seafood is done, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano or Italian spice.
- Serve the seafood and vegetable mixture on top of cooked pasta, drizzling with additional olive oil and tossing lightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using zucchini noodles instead of penne pasta. You can also substitute the shrimp with chicken or use mixed frozen seafood if fresh isn’t available. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor, so feel free to add parsley or thyme. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes that highlight fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Seafood Pasta Primavera with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine complements this dish beautifully. For added freshness, consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of lemon zest. This dish is a great way to enjoy seafood recipes with a vibrant twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Pasta Primavera contains roughly 180 calories, with 7g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (120% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), and calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 517mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
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 seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood can be used in this recipe. Just ensure it's fully thawed before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness as you cook.
What other vegetables can I add to the pasta?
You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, asparagus, or spinach all work well in this dish. Just adjust the cooking times to ensure everything is cooked to your liking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this Seafood Pasta Primavera gluten-free, simply substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety. There are many options available that maintain a similar texture and flavor, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
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).