Ingredients and Weight:
- Penne pasta - 500 grams
- Fresh or frozen shrimp - 250 grams
- Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams
- Extra virgin olive oil - 4 tablespoons
- Garlic - 3 cloves, crushed
- Fresh basil - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Parmesan cheese - optional, for serving
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
[Level 3] - Moderate. Requires basic cooking skills and attention to detail.
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the penne pasta according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the same pan and cook until they burst and become sauce-like, about 10 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and add the basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta with the shrimp mixture.
- Serve topped with parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approx. 500 per serving (based on standard nutritional values)
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 28g
Dish Characteristics:
- Delicious combination of seafood and pasta
- Herby, tomato-based sauce complements the shrimp perfectly
- Great for a special occasion or a weekend dinner party
User Comments:
- "This dish was a hit! The combination of flavors was spot on."
- "My family loved it. The shrimp was cooked to perfection."
- "A great dish for a date night in. We both enjoyed it."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh shrimp for best results. If frozen, make sure to thaw completely before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preference.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the cherry tomatoes before cooking them down.
- Penne pasta should be cooked to the desired texture; al dente is recommended for this dish.
