I love making this Shrimp & Scallop Pasta With Veggies when I want a seafood dinner that feels fresh, elegant, and comforting at the same time. The tender shrimp and scallops pair beautifully with colorful vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that tastes light yet satisfying. I always enjoy how quickly this recipe comes together while still feeling special enough for guests or family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this pasta combines tender seafood with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce in every bite. The shrimp and scallops cook quickly, making the dish perfect for busy evenings while still tasting restaurant-quality. I also enjoy how versatile the recipe can be because I can easily switch up the vegetables or seasonings depending on the season.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp
- Sea scallops
- Pasta
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach
- Butter
- Lemon juice
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Directions
- I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain it.
- I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- I season the shrimp and scallops with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- I cook the scallops until golden on both sides, then remove them from the skillet.
- I cook the shrimp until pink and tender, then set them aside.
- I sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- I add the bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes and cook until slightly tender.
- I stir in butter, lemon juice, spinach, and red pepper flakes.
- I return the seafood to the skillet and toss everything together gently.
- I add the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated.
- I finish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4 portions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
I sometimes use asparagus, mushrooms, or broccoli instead of zucchini for different textures. When I want a creamier pasta, I add a splash of heavy cream or Alfredo sauce. I also enjoy using whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter option. For extra spice, I increase the red pepper flakes or add Cajun seasoning.
storage/reheating
I store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When I reheat it, I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce smooth. I avoid overheating the seafood so the shrimp and scallops stay tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood?
I often use frozen shrimp and scallops after thawing them properly, and they work very well in this recipe.
What pasta works best for this dish?
I usually use linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti because they pair nicely with seafood sauces.
How do I keep scallops tender?
I cook them quickly over high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I prefer preparing it fresh, but I sometimes prep the vegetables and seafood ahead to save time.
What can I serve with this pasta?
I enjoy serving it with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
I always enjoy how fresh and flavorful this Shrimp & Scallop Pasta With Veggies turns out. The tender seafood, colorful vegetables, and perfectly coated pasta create a comforting meal that feels both elegant and easy to prepare. It is one of my favorite seafood pasta recipes for busy nights or special occasions.
PrintShrimp & Scallop Pasta With Veggies
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A fresh and elegant seafood pasta made with tender shrimp, golden scallops, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a light buttery lemon sauce. This comforting yet restaurant-quality dish is quick to prepare and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound sea scallops
- 12 ounces pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp and scallops with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the scallops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove from the skillet.
- Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink and tender, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, cooking until slightly tender.
- Stir in the butter, lemon juice, spinach, and red pepper flakes until the spinach wilts.
- Return the shrimp and scallops to the skillet and toss gently.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Asparagus, mushrooms, or broccoli can replace zucchini for different vegetable variations.
- Add heavy cream or Alfredo sauce for a creamier pasta dish.
- Whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles make lighter alternatives.
- Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes add more spice.
- Frozen seafood works well after proper thawing.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
