Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta

Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe from Slovenia: A Deliciously Savory Dish

Region / culture: Slovenia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta is a classic Italian dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich tomato and cream sauce, served over delicate angel hair pasta. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

History

This recipe has its roots in Italian cuisine, where seafood and pasta are often combined to create delicious and satisfying meals. The combination of shrimp, tomatoes, and cream is a popular one in Italian cooking, and this dish is a favorite among many food lovers.

Ingredients

3 – 4 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
shrimp (preferably peeled, tail off, deveined and parboiled for 5 minutes) or a 1 lb bag of salad shrimp, ready to use.
1 (28 oz) can peeled or crushed tomatoes
1 more clove garlic, minced
parsley
salt and pepper (a few dashes of each)
a few splashes of white wine
5 oz (142 g) of half and half (rich cream) or heavy whipping cream

How to prepare

In a pan, sauté olive oil, garlic, and shrimp for 1.5 minutes.
Remove the shrimp from the pan and add the tomatoes, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper (a few dashes of each).
Simmer the tomato and parsley mixture for 10 minutes.
Add a couple of splashes of white wine and simmer for a few more minutes.
Add the half and half or heavy whipping cream, along with the shrimp, and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions (al dente), then drain well.
Serve the shrimp sauce over the angel hair pasta.
Serve with garlic bread, tossed salad, and green beans.

Variations

Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use diced tomatoes with green chilies for a Tex-Mex twist.
Substitute the shrimp with chicken or scallops for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, as overcooking can make them tough.

- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

- Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as angel hair pasta cooks quickly and can become mushy if left in the water for too long.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta with a side of garlic bread, a tossed salad, and steamed green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the shrimp until just cooked through to keep them tender.

- Simmer the tomato sauce slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use half and half instead of heavy whipping cream for a lighter sauce.

- Substitute fresh tomatoes for canned if they are in season.

- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce for this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve in a large pasta bowl for a family-style presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the shrimp and tomato sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta contains around 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with most of the carbs coming from the angel hair pasta. Each serving contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main source of fat in this dish comes from the olive oil and heavy whipping cream. Each serving contains around 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Shrimp is a great source of protein, and each serving of this dish contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and iron. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

This dish contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (heavy whipping cream), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich tomato and cream sauce, served over delicate angel hair pasta. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who lived in a small coastal town. Maria was an incredible cook, and I always looked forward to trying her delicious creations. On this particular day, she had prepared a mouthwatering dish of shrimp and angel hair pasta that left me speechless. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, savoring every bite of the delectable pasta dish, I asked Maria for the recipe. She smiled and began to tell me how she had learned to make it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations.

"It's a simple yet flavorful dish," Maria explained, "and the key is to use fresh ingredients and seasonings."

I watched intently as Maria demonstrated each step of the recipe, from sautéing the shrimp in garlic and olive oil to cooking the angel hair pasta until it was perfectly al dente. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to try making it myself.

After a few hours of cooking and learning from Maria, I finally had a steaming plate of shrimp and angel hair pasta in front of me. The first bite transported me back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, and I knew I had found a new favorite recipe.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times for friends and family, always receiving rave reviews. I have added my own touches and variations to the recipe, making it my own while still honoring the tradition that Maria passed down to me.

One of my favorite memories of making this dish was when my grandchildren came to visit. They were fascinated by the process of cooking the shrimp and pasta, and I loved teaching them how to create something delicious from scratch. It was a joy to see their faces light up as they took their first bites of the savory dish.

As I reflect on the journey of learning to make shrimp and angel hair pasta, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful people who have shared their recipes and culinary wisdom with me. Each dish I create is a testament to the love and care that went into passing down these traditions through the generations.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of garlic, shrimp, and pasta cooking on the stove, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am grateful for the experiences and lessons that have shaped me into the cook I am today, and I look forward to passing on this recipe and many others to future generations.

The recipe for shrimp and angel hair pasta will always hold a special place in my heart, as it represents the bond between friends, family, and the love of good food. I will continue to make this dish with joy and passion, sharing it with those I hold dear and creating new memories along the way. Cooking is not just a skill, but a way to connect with others and nourish both body and soul. And for that, I am truly grateful.