Description
Succulent Mediterranean shrimp pasta delivers coastal Italian flavors in less than 30 minutes. Garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs elevate this quick weeknight meal that brings Mediterranean sunshine directly to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 350 grams (12 ounces) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Herbs:
- ½ red pepper, finely diced (about ½ cup)
- 100 grams (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Base and Seasonings:
- 250 grams (8.8 ounces) linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil
- 15 grams (1 tablespoon) butter
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Grated Gouda cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a spacious pot of water to a rolling boil, generously seasoned with salt. Submerge the pasta and cook according to package guidelines until perfectly tender yet firm (al dente). Carefully extract two ladles of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta, then set aside.
- Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat. Generously season the shrimp with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, vibrant sweet paprika, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes. Gently place the seasoned shrimp into the heated pan, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a delicate pink hue and become completely opaque.
- Introduce finely minced garlic and diced red bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté the aromatics for roughly 60 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant essence and the peppers to soften slightly.
- Incorporate whole cherry tomatoes into the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to release their juices and soften. Scatter freshly chopped parsley across the mixture, then brighten the dish with a zesty squeeze of lemon juice. Introduce a pat of butter, gently stirring until it melts completely and creates a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet, combining it with the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Pour the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, clinging sauce that embraces each pasta strand. Thoroughly toss the ingredients to ensure even distribution. Finish by generously sprinkling grated Gouda cheese over the top and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Perfectly time your shrimp cooking to keep them tender and juicy without becoming rubbery or overcooked.
- Grab fresh ingredients like crisp parsley, zesty garlic, and bright lemon to elevate the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Balance your seasonings carefully, starting with small amounts of salt, pepper, and chili, then adjusting to taste.
- Remove pasta from boiling water when it’s slightly firm, allowing it to continue cooking gently when mixed with other ingredients.
- Clean shrimp thoroughly by peeling and deveining, ensuring a clean, pure seafood taste throughout the recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg