| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 536 | 9g | 2g | 72g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 4g | 32g | 0.43g |
Why I Love Italian Penne with Shrimp and Zucchini
From the hearty stews of Ireland to the seafood bounty of New England, food has always been a crucial part of my life. Yet there’s something uniquely captivating about the vibrant culture and cuisine of Italy that warms my heart and taste buds. Today, I bring together the best of these worlds with one of my favorite culinary creations: Penne with Shrimp and Zucchini.
The Inspiration Behind Penne with Shrimp and Zucchini
Inspired by the masterful Italian chef, Gino D’Acampo, my take on Penne with Shrimp and Zucchini holds a special place in my recipe collection. Gino’s flair for authentic Italian cooking combined with his love for bold flavors was a major influencing force behind this dish. This recipe embraces simplicity without compromising on flavor, making you feel as though you’re enjoying a home-cooked meal in a cozy trattoria in Rome.
A Versatile and Welcoming Dish
The humble yet tantalizing pasta dish exudes an alluring aroma that reminds me of late summer evenings spent with my grandparents, shelling shrimp and sharing tales. Much like the staple, Boston clam chowder, this pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Its versatility means it can easily be served as a main dish for a simple family dinner or turned up a notch for an elegant dinner party.
Penne with Shrimp and Zucchini is also incredibly adaptive, easily accompanying a plethora of other delicacies. You may want to serve it alongside a homemade rosemary focaccia or pair it with a light, Sicilian fennel and orange salad for a true Italian feast.
To top it off, there’s a certain joy and connection that comes with sharing food that’s been lovingly prepared. Pasta dishes like this one create a sense of warm, convivial atmosphere that I’ve always associated with my family’s Irish kitchen, a sentiment I hope to pass on to my own family with my dear Laura and our little lad.
So, whether you’re looking to discover a new family favorite or simply looking to delve deeper into the world of Italian cuisine, Penne with Shrimp and Zucchini has a place at your table. Buon appetito!
What You’ll Need
- 18 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta to the boiling water, and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Step Two
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté it for a minute until it becomes aromatic.
Step Three
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and continue to cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the zucchini cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the skillet.
Step Four
Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque, which should take about 5 minutes. Be sure to turn the shrimp halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step Five
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until most of it has evaporated. This is done to deglaze the pan, so all those flavor bits stuck at the bottom get incorporated into the dish.
Step Six
Now, pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step Seven
Combine the cooked penne pasta with the sauce in the skillet, and toss until the pasta is coated in sauce.
Step Eight
Serve your Penne with Shrimp and Zucchini hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delicious pasta dish!
