Spaghetti with passata and shrimp

Spaghetti with Passata and Shrimp: A Mediterranean Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, covered with a delicious, aromatic, and flavorful sauce? This simple recipe for spaghetti with passata and shrimp is perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, full of Mediterranean flavors. The succulent shrimp, paired with a rich tomato, garlic, and basil sauce, transforms this dish into a true feast.

A Brief History of the Recipe
The origins of pasta are deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture, and the combination of tomato-based sauces has become emblematic of many dishes. Shrimp adds a touch of sophistication and a marine flavor, making this recipe a popular choice in top restaurants as well as in home kitchens.

Necessary Ingredients
- 200 g long spaghetti
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 500 g passata (tomato sauce)
- 100 ml white wine
- 10 g cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pesto
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 can (400 g) peas with carrots, drained
- 250 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 160 g jumbo frozen shrimp, thawed
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Boil the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt, and when the water starts to boil, add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.

2. Dissolve the cornstarch
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the white wine. Mix well to ensure the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This step is essential for achieving a thicker sauce that adheres perfectly to the pasta.

3. Prepare the sauce
In a saucepan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic clove and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Then, add the passata, the white wine and cornstarch mixture, brown sugar, pesto, sea salt, and black pepper.

4. Cook the sauce
Allow the sauce to simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Add the shrimp and vegetables
Once the sauce has thickened, add the shrimp and let them simmer for 2 minutes. Then, add the peas with carrots and most of the halved cherry tomatoes. Mix well and let everything simmer for 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to combine harmoniously.

6. Finalize the dish
Remove the sauce from heat and pour it over the cooked pasta. Mix well to ensure the spaghetti is completely coated with the sauce.

7. Serve
Serve the spaghetti immediately, garnished with the remaining cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. These not only add a touch of freshness but also enhance the dish's appearance.

Useful Tips
- Make sure the shrimp are well-thawed before adding them to the sauce. You can leave them in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes.
- If you like a spicier sauce, add a pinch of chili pepper to the tomato sauce.
- Instead of spaghetti, you can use fettuccine or linguine, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is rich in protein due to the shrimp, while the passata provides important antioxidants. Peas and carrots add fiber and vitamins, making this dish a healthy and nutritious choice.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen? Yes, fresh shrimp will add fantastic flavor and texture to the dish.
- How can I store leftovers? It is recommended to keep the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Delicious Combinations
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a fruity white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc. A slice of crusty bread is also ideal to accompany this meal.

Possible Variations
If you want to experiment, you can add green or black olives for an extra Mediterranean flavor, or even a few slices of fresh chili for added heat.

I guarantee that this recipe for spaghetti with passata and shrimp will quickly become one of your favorites, bringing a touch of sunshine and joy to every bite! So, get ready to indulge in a dish that combines simplicity with refinement. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 200 g long spaghetti, 1 clove of garlic, crushed, 500 g passata, 100 ml white wine, 10 g cornstarch, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sea salt and black pepper, 1 can (400 g) peas with carrots, drained, 250 g cherry tomatoes, halved, 160 g frozen jumbo shrimp, thawed, fresh basil leaves.