Every bite of pasta with shrimp and olives evokes images of golden beaches, kissed by crystal-clear water, and summer evenings spent in good company. This dish is all about the simplicity of ingredients and intense flavors, creating a perfect harmony.
The fresh shrimp, caught from the clear waters of the Mediterranean, are the heart of this dish. Their sweet and succulent meat pairs perfectly with the saltiness of black olives. The pasta, cooked al dente, absorbs the flavors of the sauce, making this dish truly unforgettable.
Start by sautéing garlic and extra virgin olive oil, to which you add the shrimp to gently brown them. The aroma that emerges is already a preview of the pleasure to come.
The black olives, sliced, are added along with fresh cherry tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper to give a touch of liveliness. Everything is left to simmer slowly, allowing the ingredients to blend and create a rich and flavorful sauce.
Choosing the right pasta is crucial to enhance the sauce. Trofie or corkscrew pasta are perfect for capturing the sauce and bits of shrimp and olives; but penne, fusilli or long shapes like spaghetti or linguine can offer an equally delightful experience. The pasta is cooked al dente and then tossed in the sauce, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly. The dish is completed with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and, for those who wish, a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil.
Discover the delicacy and genuineness of one of the most beloved recipes of Mediterranean cuisine. The pasta with shrimp and olives will win you over with its simplicity and unmistakable flavor.
Do not miss these other tasty fish-based main courses:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 357.48 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 33.90 (g) of which sugars 6.17 (g)
- Proteins 26.28 (g)
- Fat 13.39 (g) of which saturated 1.91 (g)of which unsaturated 2.64 (g)
- Fibers 2.93 (g)
- Sodium 915.45 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 260 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Pasta with Shrimp and Olives
- 12.7 oz pasta
- 1.1 lbs shrimp
- 80 Gaeta olives
- 8.8 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1 dried red chili pepper
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 bunch parsley
- 2.7 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pinches salt
Preparation of Pasta with Shrimp and Olives
Shell the shrimp and remove the intestine using a toothpick.
Pit the Gaeta olives; wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half, removing the seeds.
Sauté the shrimp meat in a pan with oil, garlic, chili pepper, and olives.
Brown well and add the cherry tomatoes. Continue cooking with the lid on for 8 minutes and adjust the salt. Once cooked, let the sauce rest.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water. Drain the pasta al dente and add it to the shrimp sauce. Add a bit of cooking water and let it absorb the flavors for 2/3 minutes.
Complete the shrimp pasta with a sprinkling of fresh parsley.
Tips for Pasta with Shrimp and Olives
– You can replace Gaeta black olives with Taggiasca olives, or you can use green olives.
– Add a touch of lemon: a bit of grated lemon zest or a splash of fresh lemon juice can enhance the flavors of the dish.
– You can add other ingredients such as capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or a handful of fresh arugula to vary the taste.
Storage
The pasta with shrimp and olives can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container, for a couple of days.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. In this case, make sure to fully thaw and dry them before cooking.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and olive sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day. Warm it gently before tossing the pasta in it.
