Penne Primavera with Shrimp

Penne Primavera with Shrimp - A Delicious Italian Recipe

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

Introduction

Penne Primavera with Shrimp is a delicious and colorful pasta dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This recipe combines tender shrimp with crisp vegetables and creamy sauce, all tossed with penne pasta for a satisfying and flavorful dish.

History

Penne Primavera is a classic Italian pasta dish that translates to "springtime pasta" in English. It is traditionally made with a variety of fresh spring vegetables, such as carrots, snap peas, and spinach, along with a light cream sauce. Adding shrimp to the dish gives it a protein boost and adds a delicious seafood flavor.

Ingredients

1.5 cups baby carrots
1.5 cups sugar snap peas, about 12 oz (340 g)
8 oz (227 g) of Dreamfield's penne rigate (3 cups uncooked)
1 tbsp of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
0.25 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
12 oz (340 g) of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
0.25 cup of white cooking wine
0.5 cup of whipping cream
1 tbsp of lemon juice
3 cups of baby arugula (or spinach)

How to prepare

Bring 2 qt (1.89 liters) of water to a boil in a large pot.
Add carrots and snap peas and cook for 3 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon.
Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions.
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add carrots, snap peas, salt, and pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
Add shrimp and wine and cook until the wine has evaporated.
Add cream and lemon juice, reduce heat, and simmer for 3 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss together hot pasta with shrimp and vegetable mixture, arugula, and Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the dish for added flavor and color.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque, as overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.

- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture, but frozen vegetables can also be used in a pinch.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish based on what you have on hand or what is in season.

- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of whipping cream in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Penne Primavera with Shrimp with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender to maintain their bright color and fresh flavor.

- Toss the pasta with the sauce just before serving to ensure that it is evenly coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of pasta in place of penne, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.

- If you don't have white cooking wine, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

- The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before tossing with the pasta.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and flavor. - Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Penne Primavera with Shrimp with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400 per serving

Carbohydrates

45g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables, as well as iron and calcium from the shrimp and cream.

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (whipping cream)

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Penne Primavera with Shrimp is a delicious and nutritious pasta dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. With a mix of fresh vegetables, tender shrimp, and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was at a friend's house for a potluck dinner. As soon as I took my first bite of the Penne Primavera with Shrimp, I knew I had to have the recipe.

I asked my friend where she had learned to make such a delicious dish, and she told me that she had picked it up from her Italian grandmother. She explained that the key to the dish was using fresh ingredients and cooking the shrimp just right.

I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. So, I asked my friend's grandmother if she would be willing to teach me her recipe. She was more than happy to share her knowledge with me, and we spent the next few hours in her cozy kitchen, cooking and chatting.

As we cooked, she shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her many years ago. She told me about how her grandmother used to make the dish for special occasions, and how it always brought the family together around the dinner table.

I was captivated by her stories, and by the end of the day, I had not only learned how to make the Penne Primavera with Shrimp, but I had also gained a new appreciation for the power of food to bring people together.

From that day on, the dish became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family dinners, potlucks, and even just for myself when I was craving a taste of something comforting and familiar.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own twist here and there. Sometimes I like to add a splash of white wine to the sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

But no matter how many times I make it, the dish always brings me back to that warm summer day in my friend's grandmother's kitchen. It reminds me of the power of food to connect us to our past, to bring us together in the present, and to create lasting memories for the future.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Penne Primavera with Shrimp, I am filled with gratitude for all the people who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each dish tells a story, and each story brings me closer to the people I love. And for that, I am truly thankful.