Catfish Pasta Primavera

Catfish Pasta Primavera Recipe - Made with Fresh Ingredients

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Catfish Pasta Primavera is a delicious and colorful pasta dish that is perfect for a light and flavorful meal. This recipe combines tender fettuccine pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables, succulent U.S. Farm-Raised catfish, and a savory Parmesan cheese and dill sauce. It's a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and textures.

History

Pasta Primavera, which translates to "spring pasta" in Italian, is a popular dish that originated in the United States in the 1970s. It is typically made with a variety of fresh spring vegetables and a light cream or cheese sauce. This version of Pasta Primavera with catfish adds a unique twist to the classic recipe, incorporating the delicate flavor of catfish into the mix.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) fettuccine
0.5 small red pepper, cut into strips
0.5 small yellow pepper, cut into strips
0.5 small green pepper, cut into strips
4 oz (113 g) pea pods, trimmed
6 green onions, cut into strips
2 tbsp chopped shallots
0.25 cup butter or margarine
1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
1 lb (454 g) U.S. Farm-Raised catfish, cut into bite-size pieces
4 large sundried tomatoes in olive oil, drained and coarsely chopped (optional)
0.67 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
0.25 cup chopped fresh dill OR 1 tbsp dried dill
freshly grated parmesan cheese
freshly ground pepper

How to prepare

1. Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions and drain.
2. In a large skillet, cook the red pepper, yellow pepper, green pepper, pea pods, onions, and shallots in butter or margarine until the peppers are just crisp-tender. Remove the vegetables from the skillet.
3. Add the white wine, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil. Add the Catfish. Return to a boil and reduce the heat. Simmer, uncovered, for about 3 minutes or until the Catfish flakes easily.
4. Stir occasionally and add sun-dried tomatoes if desired. Return the vegetables to the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
5. Place the cooked fettuccine in a large serving bowl. Add the Catfish mixture, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dill. Stir gently to mix.
6. Serve with fresh Parmesan cheese and pepper.

Variations

Substitute the fettuccine with your favorite pasta shape, such as spaghetti or penne.
Use different vegetables in the dish, such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus.
Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are just crisp-tender to retain their vibrant colors and fresh flavors.

- When cooking the catfish, be careful not to overcook it as it can become tough and dry. The catfish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Catfish Pasta Primavera with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the pasta according to package instructions for al dente texture.

- Sauté the vegetables until they are just tender to preserve their crunch and color.

- Simmer the catfish gently in the white wine broth until it is cooked through and flaky.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Swap the U.S. Farm-Raised catfish for another mild white fish like tilapia or cod.

- Replace the Parmesan cheese with Romano or Asiago cheese for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetables and catfish ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta just before serving to ensure it is fresh and hot.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Catfish Pasta Primavera with fresh dill sprigs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch. Serve it in a large pasta bowl or individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the light and fresh flavors of the pasta primavera. A side of garlic bread or bruschetta would also be a tasty accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Catfish Pasta Primavera in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 80% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, Dairy

Summary

This Catfish Pasta Primavera recipe is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and saturated fats, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Catfish Pasta Primavera is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables, tender catfish, and savory Parmesan cheese. With its vibrant colors and light sauce, this pasta primavera is a perfect choice for a spring or summer meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy this recipe with your loved ones for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I sifted through the yellowed and faded recipe cards, my eyes landed on a small, crumpled piece of paper tucked in the corner of the box. Curious, I pulled it out and unfolded it carefully.

To my delight, I discovered that it was a handwritten recipe for Catfish Pasta Primavera. The name alone piqued my interest, as I had never heard of such a dish before. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could practically taste the delicious combination of flavors in my mind.

I traced the handwriting on the recipe card, noting the elegant loops and curves of each letter. It was clear that this recipe had been passed down from generation to generation, and I felt honored to now be the caretaker of this culinary treasure.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients for the Catfish Pasta Primavera. I made a list and headed to the local market to pick up fresh catfish fillets, ripe cherry tomatoes, vibrant bell peppers, fragrant basil, and a variety of other vegetables and herbs. As I shopped, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building inside me.

Back in my kitchen, I carefully followed the instructions on the recipe card, chopping, sautéing, and simmering with precision. The aromas wafting through the air were intoxicating, and I knew that I was creating something truly special.

As the dish came together, I marveled at how each ingredient worked in harmony to create a symphony of flavors. The tender catfish, the al dente pasta, the crisp vegetables, and the savory sauce all melded together perfectly. I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

Finally, the Catfish Pasta Primavera was ready. I plated it carefully, garnishing it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of basil. As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the explosion of flavors in my mouth. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

I couldn't wait to share this culinary masterpiece with my family and friends. I invited them over for a special dinner, serving the Catfish Pasta Primavera as the main course. As they took their first bites, their eyes widened in delight, and I knew that I had truly outdone myself.

After dinner, as we sat around the table savoring the last few bites of the Catfish Pasta Primavera, my family urged me to share the story behind the recipe. I smiled and recounted the moment I had discovered the crumpled piece of paper in the old recipe box, and how it had led me on a culinary adventure unlike any other.

They listened intently, hanging on every word as I described the process of creating the dish and the joy it had brought me. I could see in their eyes that they understood the significance of this recipe and the love and care that had gone into making it.

From that day on, Catfish Pasta Primavera became a staple in our family's meal rotation. It was a dish that brought us together, creating memories that would last a lifetime. And as I passed the recipe down to the next generation, I knew that it would continue to be cherished and enjoyed for years to come.