| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 370 | 7g | 1.1g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 25g | 1.2g |
Just one bite of this Samphire and Shrimp Spaghetti and you’ll be transported to the rugged coastlines of my beloved Montana, where the salty sea breezes meet the earthy richness of the vast plains. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill seafood pasta. It’s an intriguing fusion of coastal flavors and western influences, showcasing the best of my dishes instilled in rancher’s favorites and Native American traditions.
Nourishing your body and soul
Often, we think of pasta dishes as a guilty pleasure, but the Samphire and Shrimp Spaghetti challenges that notion. This dish is not only delicious but also packed to the brim with nutrients. The star of the show, samphire, also known as sea asparagus, is a superfood overflowing with vitamins A, C, and B2, along with essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Combined with the protein-rich shrimp and heart-healthy olive oil, this dish provides a wholesome meal that fuels your body without compromising on taste.
Embracing the seafood medley
If you’re a seafood lover like me, this dish is a perfect way to celebrate these oceanic flavors while experimenting with a unique ingredient. The briny, slightly crunchy samphire pairs wonderfully with the succulent shrimp. For those unaccustomed to samphire, imagine a fusion of asparagus and seaweed, a surprising combination that works seamlessly in this spaghetti dish. You could also try adding more seafood variety to this dish – scallops or clams would make excellent additions.
If you want to make this a fuller meal, the Samphire and Shrimp Spaghetti pairs splendidly with a crisp, green salad, or some crusty garlic bread. It’s a flexible dish that fits right in whether you’re planning a quiet dinner at home or a hearty meal after a day on the ranch.
No matter where you are, this dish will always stir a sense of nostalgia. The crunch of samphire, the tang of lemon, and the heat from red pepper flakes echo the Montana landscapes that inspired me. Food should always tell a story, and Samphire and Shrimp Spaghetti is, no doubt, a narrative that balances refinement and comfort, transporting my childhood experiences and transforming them into a dish that anyone can enjoy and cherish.
So, I invite you to try this Samphire and Shrimp Spaghetti recipe. I believe it’s more than just about satisfying your hunger — it’s an adventure you can embark on, right from your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 14 ounces of spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 cups of samphire
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- Salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing until the garlic is aromatic and begins to brown. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step Three
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, sautéing until they are pink and cooked through. This will usually take about 2-4 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step Four
Now, add the samphire and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté these until the tomatoes are softened and the samphire is bright green and slightly tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then, add the lemon zest and juice into the skillet, and season everything with salt and white pepper.
Step Five
Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing to ensure everything is well mixed and the spaghetti is coated with the olive oil and lemon juice mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to help the mixture combine. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything together to warm the shrimp back up.
Step Six
Right before serving, sprinkle the pasta with the chopped fresh parsley and garnish each serving with a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Samphire and Shrimp Spaghetti while hot.
