Italian Garlic shrimp Pasta

This is a quick and simple recipe for incredibly tasty shrimp pasta (shrimp scampi). The pan-seared shrimp is paired with a spicy garlic butter sauce with tomatoes and fresh herbs.

PREPARATION TIME:

Prep Time:10 minutes 
Cook Time:15 minutes 
Total Time:25 minutes 

INGREDIENTS:

    • 1 pound (450 g) linguine, spaghetti or your favorite long pasta shape
    • Kosher salt
    • 1 pound (450 g) jumbo or extra-large shrimppeeled and deveined
    • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 pint (475 g) cherry or grape tomatoescut into halves or quarters
    • 1 tablespoon garlic grated on a Microplane or very finely chopped garlicabout 2-3 plump cloves
    • 6 tablespoons (85 g) buttersalted or unsalted
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepperor to taste
    • ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsleyor 1/4 cup each chopped parsley and basil
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS :

    • Bring a large (5 or 6 quarts) pot of water to a boil and season with 3 tablespoons kosher salt.
    • Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (usually about 11 minutes). Scoop ½ cup of the pasta water out of the pot and set aside, then drain the pasta and transfer to a bowl.
    • While the pasta is cooking, pat the shimp with a paper towel to dry them. Sprinkle lightly with salt on both sides.
    • Put a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the oil. When it starts to shimmer, add the shrimp in one layer. Cook 2 minutes, then turn them over and continue cooking until they turn pink and opaque, about 1 more minute.
    • Add the tomatoes, garlic, butter and chili to the pan and stir. When the butter is melted, add 2 or 3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and swirl around until saucy (add more if needed, a tablespoon at a time).
  • Pour the shrimp and sauce over the pasta. Top with the parsley and Parmesan cheese to taste. Toss gently and serve. Enjoy!

KAREN’S NOTES AND TIPS:

  • Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the finished dish for an extra spark of acid and flavor.
  • Another option is to pour in 1/4 cup of dry white wine (such as pinot grigio) in step 4 after the shrimp are cooked, before adding the butter and tomatoes.

NUTRITION:

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 795mg | Potassium: 529mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1900IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 375mg | Iron: 5mg

 

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