Pasta with shrimp and spicy sauce
Shrimp Pasta with Spicy Sauce: A Quick and Delicious Recipe
Welcome to a world full of flavors and colors! Today, I present you a recipe for shrimp pasta with spicy sauce, which promises to be an explosion of tastes and a pleasure for the senses. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner eager to learn, this recipe is perfect for you! With just a few ingredients and in about 15 minutes, you will have a savory dish, ideal for a quick dinner or a special occasion.
A Brief History
Pasta has been a staple ingredient in many culinary cultures throughout history. Its origins are often debated, but it is certain that it has captured the attention of people around the world. Combining pasta with shrimp is a popular choice, bringing together the simple ingredients of the sea and the Mediterranean charm of pasta. The spicy sauce added to this dish provides a note of intensity and depth, transforming it into a memorable culinary experience.
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total: 15-17 minutes
- Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 120 g pasta (60 g/person)
- 8 large shrimp, peeled (about 4/person)
- 2-3 tablespoons basil tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon light cream
- ½ ladle of pasta water
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Sea salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chili paste, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Cooking Technique
1. Boiling the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt, but avoid adding oil, as it will create a film on the pasta that prevents sauce absorption. Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, but leave it slightly al dente, as we will finish cooking it in the sauce.
2. Preparing the sauce: In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for one minute, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are well thawed, while raw ones will add juiciness to the dish.
3. Adding the sauce: When the shrimp turn pink (about 2-3 minutes), add the basil tomato sauce, light cream, and ½ ladle of the pasta cooking water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. The perfect combination: When the pasta is ready, do not rinse it with cold water! Use a slotted spoon to remove it directly from the boiling water and add it to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, so it absorbs the delicious flavors. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the pasta water.
5. Finishing the dish: Season with salt, pepper, and chili paste, depending on how spicy you want it. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Serving: Arrange the pasta on plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves. This will not only add a beautiful look but also a fresh aroma.
Practical Tips
- Shrimp: Use fresh raw shrimp or, if you prefer, frozen shrimp. Ensure they are of good quality.
- Chili paste: Adjust the amount according to your spice preferences. If you are not a fan of spicy food, you can omit it completely.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of sauces, such as soy sauce or curry sauce, to add an exotic touch.
- Pairings: This recipe pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or a cold lemonade to balance the intense flavors.
Nutrients and Calories
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious! Pasta provides complex carbohydrates, while shrimp are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Approximately 100 g of shrimp pasta contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Of course! Whole grain pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients.
2. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated the next day. Add a bit of water or sauce to rejuvenate the texture.
3. Can I substitute the cream?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version.
4. How can I make the sauce richer?
Add a splash of white wine while sautéing the garlic for a more complex flavor.
So, don’t wait any longer! Gather the ingredients and enjoy this simple and quick recipe for shrimp pasta with spicy sauce. It will surely become a favorite in your kitchen and impress anyone who tastes it. Enjoy your meal and many hugs from me!
If you hear about pasta with shrimp, you most often think of the classic sauce with olive oil, basil, and garlic, or pesto... but the combinations are countless. You can try pasta with cream, garlic, and shrimp, pasta with saffron sauce and shrimp, or this spicy sauce that I propose. Preparation time is 10-12 minutes, that's why I love this recipe! Cooking: boil the pasta in a large amount of water with a little salt. Never add oil because it creates a film that prevents the sauce from being absorbed by the pasta. Separately, in a large non-stick pan, put a little olive oil, minced garlic, and shrimp (I usually use frozen raw shrimp that are gray in color, I find them juicier and tastier). As soon as the shrimp turn pink, add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato sauce with basil, a tablespoon of light cream, and half a ladle of pasta water. Let it boil for 2 minutes and add the pasta that has one or two minutes left until al dente, but it's preferable that the last two minutes boil in the sauce to absorb the flavors. Another secret to pasta is not to rinse them with cold water, which shocks their consistency, making them tougher; simply take them with a spatula from the boiling water and put them into the sauce. These are simple gestures but they greatly enhance the flavor. Let the pasta boil for two minutes in the sauce, season with salt, pepper, and chili paste. Finally, arrange them on a plate and serve with fresh basil sprinkled on top. Enjoy and many hugs from me!
Ingredients: We need 60 grams of pasta per person (I know some say 100 but that's too much), 4 shrimp per person, tomato sauce with basil, hot pepper paste, light sour cream, sea salt, garlic, pepper, olive oil, and fresh basil.
