Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci
Elevate your pasta night with Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci, a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a creamy pesto sauce. This elegant dish is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes add vibrant flavor and color to the dish.
- Quality Shrimp: Use high-quality shrimp for the best texture and taste.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference, tasting as you go.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 1 lb. This long pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Raw Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined. Provides a tender and flavorful protein.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved. Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
- Fresh Spinach: 4 oz. Adds a nutritious and vibrant green element.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Creates a rich, creamy sauce.
- Onion: 1, diced. Adds a sweet, savory base to the sauce.
- Garlic: 1 head, minced. Brings a robust, aromatic flavor.
- Green Pesto: 2 tbsp. Infuses the sauce with a fresh, herby taste.
- Salt: To taste. Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: To taste. Adds a touch of spice.
- Parmesan Cheese: For topping. Provides a nutty, salty finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety and nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Wash all your produce. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the peeled shrimp to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, or until light pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Pesto and Cream:
- Add the pesto to the pan, stirring until well combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let simmer for a few minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Spinach:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook for 3 more minutes, until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve:
- Mix the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Divide the pasta among 4 serving bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave on low power in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Enjoy your Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci and savor every flavorful bite!
Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci
Elevate your pasta night with Spaghetti Scampi e Spinaci, a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a creamy pesto sauce. This elegant dish is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs spaghetti
- 1 lbs raw shrimp peeled and divined
- 1 pint cherry tomato
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tbsp green pesto
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package.
- Wash all your produce.
- Dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Half the cherry tomatoes.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil, add diced onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the peeled shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, or until light pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Then add the pesto, stir until well combined.
- Add the heavy cream, stir, and let simmer for a few more minutes.
- Then add the diced cherry tomatoes. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Then add the spinach, cook for 3 more minutes, and remove from heat.
- Mix the cooked spaghetti in the sauce and divide over 4 serving bowls.
- Top with parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 772kcalCarbohydrates: 97gProtein: 35gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 211mgSodium: 771mgPotassium: 897mgFiber: 6gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 4467IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 185mgIron: 3mg
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
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