Shrimp & Shells

Shrimp & Shells Recipe - Savory Shrimps with White Wine & Garlic

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Shrimp & Shells is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp with tender shell pasta, peas, and a flavorful Parmesan cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

History

Shrimp & Shells is a classic Italian pasta dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of shrimp and pasta is a popular choice in Italian cuisine, and this recipe puts a unique twist on the traditional dish by adding peas and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce.

Ingredients

2 dozens medium shrimp
1 cup medium-shell pasta
Handful frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
parmesan cheese
lemon juice
parsley
butter

How to prepare

Clean the shrimp, remove the veins and trim the tails. Place them on a cutting board and season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Boil the shell pasta. Three or four minutes before the pasta is cooked, add frozen peas and shrimp to the boiling water. Allow them to boil until it's time to drain the pasta.
While draining the pasta, add a pat of butter to the pot used for boiling. Return the pasta mixture to the pot and add Parmesan cheese and parsley. Toss the mixture and allow it to heat through before serving.
Substitution: You can use canned shrimp instead of fresh shrimp.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Use different types of pasta, such as penne or bowtie, for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to season the shrimp well with lemon juice, salt, and pepper before cooking to enhance their flavor.

- Adding frozen peas to the boiling pasta water helps to cook them quickly and infuse them with flavor.

- Tossing the pasta with butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley while it's still hot helps to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shrimp & Shells with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the shrimp and pasta together helps to infuse the flavors and cook the ingredients evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Canned shrimp can be used instead of fresh shrimp in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the shrimp and pasta ahead of time and toss them together with the sauce just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Shrimp & Shells with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Shrimp & Shells pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shrimp & Shells contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shrimp & Shells contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shrimp & Shells contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Shrimp & Shells contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (Parmesan cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Shrimp & Shells is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Shrimp & Shells is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful shrimp, tender pasta, and creamy Parmesan sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a hot summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll to the local farmer's market to pick up some fresh ingredients for dinner. As I perused the different stalls, a friendly elderly woman approached me with a warm smile.

"Hello, dear," she said. "Are you looking for something special to cook tonight?"

I nodded, intrigued by her friendly demeanor. She motioned for me to follow her to a particular stall, where she pulled out a weathered recipe card from her apron pocket.

"This here is my secret recipe for Shrimp & Shells," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've been making it for years, and it never fails to impress."

I thanked her graciously and tucked the recipe card into my purse, feeling a sudden surge of excitement. Little did I know that this simple exchange would lead me on a culinary journey that would shape my love for cooking for years to come.

When I returned home, I carefully studied the recipe, taking note of each ingredient and step. The combination of shrimp, pasta shells, garlic, and fresh herbs seemed both simple and elegant. I couldn't wait to try it out for dinner that evening.

As I cooked, the aroma of garlic and herbs filled my kitchen, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The shrimp sizzled in the pan, turning a vibrant pink color as they cooked to perfection. I tossed the cooked shells in with the shrimp, allowing them to soak up the flavors of the sauce.

When dinner was finally ready, I plated the Shrimp & Shells dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. The first bite was a revelation – the flavors melded together beautifully, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

From that moment on, Shrimp & Shells became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I cooked it, I remembered the kind elderly woman who had shared her recipe with me, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary journey she had set me on.

Over the years, I experimented with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. Sometimes I would add a splash of white wine for a touch of elegance, or throw in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of color. But no matter how I tweaked it, the essence of the dish remained the same – a simple yet delicious combination of flavors that never failed to delight.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, sharing the story of how I first learned to make Shrimp & Shells from the kind elderly woman at the farmer's market. It became a family favorite, a dish that symbolized the joy of cooking and the power of sharing recipes with loved ones.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of garlic and herbs, I can't help but smile as I remember that fateful day at the farmer's market. The memory of how I found this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the simple pleasures that cooking can bring and the connections we make through sharing recipes with others.

And so, I continue to cook Shrimp & Shells with love and gratitude, honoring the memory of the kind elderly woman who first shared this recipe with me. It is a dish that will forever be a part of my culinary legacy, a reminder of the joy and warmth that good food can bring to our lives.