Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Garlic Basil Shrimp



Did you know that I adore shrimp? And pasta? And Italian food all-together? Did you also know I love my meals (and men) to be uncomplicated, easy, healthy, satisfying and great on a weeknight? I can safely say that this recipe satisfied all of what I love in a recipe. It comes straight from the cover of Ellie Krieger's newest book So Easy. I've made a few of Ellie's recipes in the past and have been pleased with every single one and this Garlic Basil Shrimp is no exception. I think if you add this recipe to your menu for dinner this week, you'll be pleased too.

Recipe Rundown

Taste: Simple yet mouthwatering. These flavors are divine when paired.
Texture: Perfect, just don't overcook the shrimp.
Ease: Very easy, very weeknight dinner proof.
Appearance: Shrimp is an attractive seafood specimen. I love the look of this dish because the shrimp and tomatoes are about the same size and orzo always looks lovely.
Expense: If you buy the shrimp frozen this recipe rounds out under $10.
Pros: Super easy, delicious, and healthy. And shrimp is my favorite!
Cons: I can't think of any.
Would I make this again? Mhmm!

Garlic Basil Shrimp

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp (20 to 25 per pound), peeled and deveined
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes, or more to taste
  • 3/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked orzo pasta, preferably whole wheat
Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then saute shrimp, turning over once, until just cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large bowl.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil remaining in skillet and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add wine and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Stir in basil and tomatoes and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Return the shrimp to pan and cook just until heated through.

4 comments:

  1. Hey,
    i have a question,
    how would you call the kind of pasta that's in the picture? And how long do you cook it?

    I have a bag of it lying around for a long time and I have no idea what to do with it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks like orzo to me which is a barley based pasta commonly subbed for rice.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orzo_(pasta)
    http://www.ehow.com/how_2306068_cook-orzo.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. Its orzo! Sorry I forgot to add that in, I edited the recipe. The orzo needs to cook in boiling water for 9-10 minutes, longer if it is whole wheat.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This recipe is terrific
    Made it with whole wheat spaghettini, and instead of tomatoes (which I didn't have on hand) I used canned salt free tomato sauce.

    ReplyDelete

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