Shrimp & Lobster Pasta Primavera

Highlighted under: Global Culinary Recipe Ideas

I absolutely love making Shrimp & Lobster Pasta Primavera—it's a dish that always impresses with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. The combination of tender shrimp and succulent lobster mixed with crisp vegetables creates a harmonious balance that's simply irresistible. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual dinner or a festive gathering. The best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for those busy weeknights when I still want to serve something special.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:45:27.529Z

When I first made Shrimp & Lobster Pasta Primavera, I was amazed by how quickly the meal came together. I sautéed fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus in olive oil, letting their natural sweetness shine through. The trick is to cook the pasta al dente so it can soak up the flavorful sauce without getting mushy.

The addition of a splash of white wine not only enhances the flavors but also adds a touch of elegance to the dish. I never skip the fresh herbs—basil and parsley elevate it to a whole new level of freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Succulent shrimp and lobster for a gourmet experience
  • Vibrant vegetables that add freshness and nutrition
  • Creamy sauce that perfectly coats each strand of pasta

Perfecting the Pasta

Choosing the right pasta is crucial for this dish. Linguine and fettuccine work wonderfully because their flat surface holds onto the creamy sauce better than round pasta. When cooking pasta, be mindful to aim for al dente texture; it should have a slight bite to it. Cooking it just 1-2 minutes less than the package recommends often yields the best result, especially since it'll continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.

Timing is everything when boiling pasta. As you prepare the sauce, check the pasta often to prevent overcooking. It’s helpful to keep a cup of pasta water on hand before draining. This starchy liquid can be added to the sauce if it needs a touch more moisture to achieve that glossy finish.

Selecting Fresh Ingredients

The shrimp and lobster are the stars of this dish; using fresh, high-quality seafood makes a world of difference. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean scent. If using lobster, ensure it's cooked properly and has a slightly sweet flavor. If you're short on time, frozen seafood can substitute, but remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Don’t overlook the vegetables! Using seasonal produce not only enhances the dish's nutrition but also adds vibrant colors and fresh flavors. Asparagus should be bright green and tender-crisp, while bell peppers should be crisp rather than soft. You can substitute with other veggies like cherry tomatoes or snap peas if you prefer.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Primavera

  • 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
  • 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup lobster meat, cooked and chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil and parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the bell pepper, zucchini, and asparagus.

Cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Add Shrimp and Lobster

Stir in the shrimp and lobster meat, cooking until the shrimp turns pink. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Add the heavy cream and stir well.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow everything to meld together on low heat for another 3-5 minutes.

Serve

Remove from heat, plate the pasta, and garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Enjoy your delightful Shrimp & Lobster Pasta Primavera!

Pro Tips

  • For an extra punch of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. You can substitute the lobster with crab or just stick to shrimp if preferred.

Make-Ahead Tips

This pasta primavera can be partially prepared ahead of time, making it a great choice for entertaining. You can cook the pasta and refrigerate it up to two days in advance. To prevent sticking, toss it in a little olive oil before storing. Just be sure to reheat it gently in boiling water for a minute before incorporating it with the sauce.

If you plan to make the sauce ahead of time, prepare it and combine it with the shrimp and lobster only when you're ready to serve. This prevents overcooking and ensures that the seafood remains delicate and succulent. Reheat gently on low heat, stirring often until warmed through.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Shrimp & Lobster Pasta Primavera can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The creamy sauce may thicken upon cooling, so when reheating, adding a splash of water or broth can help restore its smooth texture. Heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Freezing this dish is not recommended due to the seafood and cream. However, if you find yourself with an abundance of cooked pasta, you can freeze that separately and use it in other dishes later. Just make sure to toss it in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option, though it may alter the overall creaminess.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of traditional pasta.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include any seasonal vegetables you enjoy, such as cherry tomatoes or spinach.

Shrimp & Lobster Pasta Primavera

I absolutely love making Shrimp & Lobster Pasta Primavera—it's a dish that always impresses with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. The combination of tender shrimp and succulent lobster mixed with crisp vegetables creates a harmonious balance that's simply irresistible. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual dinner or a festive gathering. The best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for those busy weeknights when I still want to serve something special.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Global Culinary Recipe Ideas

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Pasta Primavera

  1. 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
  2. 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
  3. 1 cup lobster meat, cooked and chopped
  4. 1 bell pepper, sliced
  5. 1 zucchini, sliced
  6. 1 cup asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces
  7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  8. 1/2 cup white wine
  9. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  10. 3 tbsp olive oil
  11. Salt and pepper to taste
  12. Fresh basil and parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the bell pepper, zucchini, and asparagus. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 03

Stir in the shrimp and lobster meat, cooking until the shrimp turns pink. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Add the heavy cream and stir well.

Step 04

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow everything to meld together on low heat for another 3-5 minutes.

Step 05

Remove from heat, plate the pasta, and garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Enjoy your delightful Shrimp & Lobster Pasta Primavera!

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra punch of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. You can substitute the lobster with crab or just stick to shrimp if preferred.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 25g