Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Spain! This Pasta Romesco with Shrimp is not just a meal; it's a vibrant, mouth-watering experience that combines the rich, nutty flavors of traditional romesco sauce with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp and al dente pasta. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds - and the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup romesco sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 8 oz of pasta, 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 cup of romesco sauce, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the 1 lb of shrimp to the skillet with the garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1 cup of romesco sauce. Allow the sauce to warm through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to combine with the shrimp.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and romesco sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta with the shrimp and sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
- Once well combined, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Pasta Romesco with Shrimp immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose high-quality shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp will elevate the entire dish's flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the shrimp: They should be pink and just opaque - about 3-4 minutes - to keep them tender and juicy.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
- Toast your garlic briefly: Just one minute of sautéing will release incredible aromatic flavors without burning.
- Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick. Pro tip: For an authentic Spanish touch, use Spanish olive oil and try to source a traditional romesco sauce if possible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 180mg
