Shrimp and Vegetable Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce

Ingredients

• shrimp 6 oz
• whole wheat pasta 1.5 cups
• mixed vegetables 1 cup
• olive oil 2 tbsp
• garlic cloves 2 cloves

Method

1. Prepare Ingredients. Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if not already done. Wash and chop the zucchini and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Measure out the pasta and olive oil.
   Tip: Use a sharp knife for chopping vegetables to make the process easier and safer.
2. Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
   Tip: Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
3. Sauté Garlic and Vegetables. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the chopped mixed vegetables and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
   Tip: Keep stirring the garlic to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness.
4. Cook the Shrimp. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side and add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
   Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with shrimp and vegetables. Toss everything together gently. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
   Tip: Toss gently to avoid breaking the shrimp or vegetables.
6. Serve. Divide the pasta onto two plates. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
   Tip: Serve immediately while hot for best taste and texture.

Pro tips

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the olive oil sauce.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without adding extra oil.