Penne with shrimp and shellfish sautéed in wine

Penne with Prawns and Scallops Tossed in Wine - A Mediterranean Delicacy

If you're looking for a quick and delicious recipe to bring a touch of elegance to your table, you've come to the right place! Penne with shrimp and scallops tossed in wine is the perfect combination of fresh seafood and the sophisticated flavors of wine and spices. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds, but also a true celebration of colors and flavors!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

- 200g penne (or any other type of pasta you prefer)
- 250g fresh or frozen prawns (preferably without shell)
- 250g scallops (you can use freshwater clams or sea scallops)
- 30g butter (for a rich taste)
- Half a chili pepper (or more if you like it spicy)
- 40ml dry red wine (choose a good quality)
- Juice of two limes (adds a splash of freshness)
- A generous handful of arugula (for extra color and nutrients)
- A tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil (to add a refined taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Story behind the recipe

This recipe combines traditional Mediterranean cuisine with fresh seafood, inspired by the dishes served in seaside tavernas. Prawns and scallops are often considered delicacies and are often associated with celebratory moments. Whether enjoyed on a romantic evening or at a meal with friends, penne with prawns and scallops is a great choice.

Step by step instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pasta

Start by boiling the penne pasta according to package directions. Be sure to use a generous amount of salted water to give them a delicious flavor. When the pasta is al dente (slightly firm to the bite), drain well and add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Making the sauce

In a large skillet, add the butter and heat over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and started to foam, add the shrimp and scallops. Let them cook for a minute, until they become opaque and change color. This is when the flavors start to reveal themselves!

Step 3: Add the vegetables

Over the shrimp and scallops, add the finely chopped chili pepper. If you prefer a less spicy dish, you can adjust the amount of chili peppers or even remove them altogether. Let the mixture cook for another minute so that the vegetables soften slightly and release their flavors.

Step 4: The wine and limes

Now it's time to add the dry red wine to the pan. Increase the heat and let it simmer for a few seconds so that the alcohol evaporates and the flavors concentrate. Then add the lime juice, which will bring the perfect balance between the sweetness of the shrimp and the acidity of the sauce.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients

Once the wine has reduced slightly, add salt and pepper to taste. Now it's time to incorporate the pasta into the delicious sauce. Stir well to ensure that each piece of pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is well mixed, take the pan off the heat. Pour the mixture into a large bowl or individual plates. Add some fresh arugula on top, which will provide a nice contrast to the warm dish and add an extra freshness.

Serving suggestions

The prawn and scallop penne can be served with a simple green salad or a tomato salad with onions and olives. A glass of dry white wine also goes perfectly with this dish, bringing out the seafood flavors.

Practical tips

- Fresh prawns and scallops: Make sure the seafood is fresh or of good quality, preferably bought from a reliable supplier.
- Variations: You can try this recipe with different types of pasta such as spaghetti or tagliatelle. You can also add vegetables like peas or broccoli to enrich the dish.
- Keep the sauce: If you have leftover sauce, you can use it as a base for a fish soup or to make another pasta recipe.

Nutrition facts

This recipe is high in protein thanks to the shrimp and scallops, and the arugula adds extra vitamins and minerals. One portion of penne with prawns and scallops contains about 450-500 calories, depending on the exact amount of oil and butter used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimps, but make sure you thaw them completely before cooking.

2. What type of wine is best?
Choose a quality dry red wine that complements the flavors of the dish. Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices.

3. Can the recipe be made without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can replace the wine with fish stock or water, but you'll need to add more spices to compensate for the lack of wine flavor.

I invite you to try this captivating recipe for penne with shrimps and scallops in wine, and every bite will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 200g penne, 250g shrimp and scallops, 30g butter, half a chili pepper, 40ml dry red wine, juice from two limes, a handful of arugula, one tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper