The Story Behind the Recipe
Sometimes, the most extraordinary dishes are born from spontaneous kitchen adventures. This shrimp pasta is a testament to culinary magic – a recipe so simple yet so transformative that it will make you wonder why you haven’t been cooking it all along. With just 10 minutes of preparation, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy meal that’s bursting with flavor and excitement.
Ingredients (US & Metric Measurements)
For the Shrimp
- Large Shrimp (16/20 size): 1 lb (400 g)
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Whiskey: 1 shot (1.5 oz / 45 ml)
- Butter: 3 tablespoons (40 g)
Additional Ingredients
- Garlic: 7-8 cloves, finely minced
- Celery: 4 sticks, finely chopped
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup (200 g), halved
- Spaghetti (Durum Wheat): 10.5 oz (300 g)
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pasta Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
- Cook spaghetti until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes)
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
- Shrimp Seasoning
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
- Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
- Ensure even coating of spices
- Cooking Technique
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat
- Add seasoned shrimp, cooking 1-2 minutes per side
- Remove shrimp and set aside
- Flambé Magic ⚠️ Caution Advised
- Reduce heat slightly
- Add whiskey to the pan
- Carefully ignite with a long lighter (flame will subside quickly)
- Allow alcohol to burn off, creating deep flavor
- Vegetable Base
- Add butter to the pan
- Sauté garlic and celery until fragrant (2-3 minutes)
- Add halved tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes
- Final Assembly
- Return shrimp to the pan
- Add cooked pasta
- Splash in reserved pasta water
- Toss everything together
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
Preparation Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 3-4
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use large, high-quality shrimp for best results
- Don’t overcook shrimp – they should be pink and slightly curled
- The whiskey flambé is optional but adds incredible depth
- Use a long lighter for safety when flambéing
- Fresh parsley is crucial for final flavor
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace whiskey with white wine
- Use different pasta shapes
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat
- Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu
- Use gluten-free pasta for alternative diet
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is flambéing dangerous? Use caution, keep a lid nearby, and never leave the stove unattended.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Best served immediately, but can be reheated gently.
- What if I don’t have whiskey? White wine or chicken broth work as alternatives.
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Thaw completely and pat very dry before cooking.
- Is this dish spicy? Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Not recommended for long-term storage
- Consume immediately for best taste and texture
- Refrigerate leftovers for max 1-2 days
- Reheat gently to prevent overcooking shrimp
Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly quick and delicious shrimp pasta that will undoubtedly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Bon appétit!