This pasta dish combines the zesty freshness of shrimp and the comforting warmth of homemade breadcrumbs. The pasta shells create a lovely bed for the shrimp to rest on, while the breadcrumbs add a textural contrast. The addition of curly endive and parmesan cheese makes this dish a well-rounded meal, perfect for a quiet dinner at home or a gathering of friends.
Photos of Pasta Shells with Shrimp and Bread Crumbs Recipe
The ingredients in this recipe are fairly common, but you might want to pay attention to the curly endive. It's a type of chicory with a slightly bitter taste that adds a nice contrast to the overall flavor of the dish. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like spinach or arugula. The anchovy paste is another ingredient you might not have on hand. It adds a depth of flavor, but can be skipped if you prefer.
Ingredients for Pasta Shells with Shrimp and Breadcrumbs
Olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, this oil adds a rich flavor base.
Bread crumbs: These add texture and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance other flavors.
Pasta shells: They act as little bowls that hold the shrimp and breadcrumb mixture.
Shrimp: Provides a burst of seafood flavor and protein.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the flavor profile.
Anchovy paste: This adds a unique depth of flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a savory, sweet, and tangy flavor.
Curly endive: It adds a slight bitterness, balancing out the richness of the dish.
Parmesan: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and a lovely finish to the dish.
One reader, Aurelie Pogue says:
This pasta shells with shrimp and bread crumbs recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The shrimp adds a delightful touch, and the bread crumbs provide a satisfying crunch. It's a must-try for any seafood lover. I highly recommend giving it a go!
Key Techniques for Preparing Pasta Shells with Shrimp and Bread Crumbs
How to make garlic bread crumbs: In a medium nonstick frying pan, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the bread crumbs, garlic, and salt and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until golden.
How to cook pasta and shrimp: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta shells for about 10 minutes until almost done. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes longer until both the shrimp and the pasta shells are done. Drain thoroughly.
How to make the dressing: In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. Slowly add the remaining oil while whisking.
How to toss the salad: Add the pasta and shrimp, the curly endive, and the parmesan to the dressing and toss.
How to serve: Serve the salad warm or at room temperature, topped with the garlic bread crumbs and the remaining parmesan. Enjoy!
How To Make Pasta Shells with Shrimp and Bread Crumbs
Topped with crunchy garlic bread crumbs, this easy pasta shells recipe is made extra tasty with shrimp, tossed in a lemon anchovy sauce for a zing flavor.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil,plus ½ cup
- 1½cupsfresh bread crumbs
- 2clovesgarlic
- ⅛salt and fresh ground black pepper,as needed
- ¾lbmedium pasta shells
- 1lblarge shrimp
- 3tbsplemon juice
- 1tspanchovy paste
- ¾tspworcestershire sauce
- 3ozcurly endive,(about 2½ cups), shredded
- ⅓cupparmesan,plus 2 tbsp, grated
Instructions
-
In a medium nonstick frying pan, heat the 2 tablespoons oil over moderate heat. Add the bread crumbs, garlic, and ⅛ teaspoon each of salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until golden.
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In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta shells for about 10 minutes until almost done. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes longer until both the shrimp and the pasta shells are done. Drain thoroughly.
-
In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Add the remaining oil slowly, whisking.
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Add the pasta and shrimp, the curly endive, and the ⅓ cup Parmesan to the dressing and toss.
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Serve the salad warm or at room temperature, topped with the garlic bread crumbs and the remaining parmesan. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 561.78kcal
- Fat: 13.14g
- Saturated Fat: 3.66g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.35g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.93g
- Carbohydrates: 75.78g
- Fiber: 4.10g
- Sugar: 3.89g
- Protein: 33.23g
- Cholesterol: 152.16mg
- Sodium: 957.42mg
- Calcium: 278.36mg
- Potassium: 471.78mg
- Iron: 2.42mg
- Vitamin A: 147.87µg
- Vitamin C: 10.14mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting This Shrimp Pasta Recipe
When preparing your shrimp, ensure they are properly deveined and cleaned before adding them to the pot. This not only improves the texture and flavor but also makes for a more pleasant eating experience. Additionally, when cooking the pasta, stir occasionally to prevent the shells from sticking together. Lastly, for the bread crumbs, aim for a golden brown color, not too dark, to avoid a burnt taste. This will give your dish a nice crunch and a rich, toasty flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Shrimp and Pasta Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and devein shrimp in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook the pasta and shrimp in the same pot to minimize cleanup and save time.
Quick-cooking shrimp: Use pre-cooked shrimp or opt for smaller shrimp that cook faster to reduce overall cooking time.
Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing and bread crumbs to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Efficient organization: Arrange ingredients and utensils in a systematic manner to avoid wasting time searching for items during cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Pasta Shells with Shrimp and Bread Crumbs Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
fresh bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will provide a crispy texture and absorb flavors well, just like fresh bread crumbs.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor similar to garlic, complementing the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
pasta shells - Substitute with conchiglie: Conchiglie, also known as shell pasta, is a suitable substitute for pasta shells as it holds the sauce and ingredients well.
shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops can be a delicious alternative to shrimp, offering a delicate and sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the recipe.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the acidity and tanginess similar to lemon juice, adding a bright flavor to the dish.
anchovy paste - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste can offer a savory, umami-rich flavor similar to anchovy paste, enhancing the depth of the dish.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar depth of flavor and umami richness to the dish, replacing the Worcestershire sauce effectively.
curly endive - Substitute with frisée: Frisée has a slightly bitter flavor and a similar texture to curly endive, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano offers a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan, making it a great substitute for this recipe.
How to Beautifully Present Pasta Shells with Shrimp and Bread Crumbs
Elevate the shrimp: Arrange the cooked shrimp in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are the star of the dish. Place them strategically to create a stunning visual impact on the plate.
Create a bread crumb border: Use the golden garlic bread crumbs to form a delicate border around the edge of the plate, adding texture and visual interest to the presentation.
Garnish with curly endive: Introduce a pop of vibrant green by artfully placing curly endive around the dish, adding a touch of elegance and freshness to the overall presentation.
Sprinkle parmesan with precision: Carefully sprinkle the parmesan over the dish, ensuring even distribution and adding a touch of sophistication to the final plating.
Drizzle with lemon-infused dressing: Use a steady hand to drizzle the lemon-infused dressing over the pasta and shrimp, creating an artistic and flavorful element to the presentation.
Incorporate negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the dish to breathe and creating a visually striking and balanced composition.
Consider plate geometry: Select a plate that complements the colors and textures of the dish, ensuring that the geometry of the plate enhances the overall visual appeal.
Emphasize color contrast: Introduce color contrast by selecting a plate that provides a striking backdrop for the vibrant ingredients, enhancing the overall visual impact of the dish.
Use minimalist plating: Embrace minimalist plating techniques to allow the natural beauty of the dish to shine through, creating a refined and sophisticated presentation.
Highlight the golden bread crumbs: Ensure that the golden garlic bread crumbs are showcased prominently, drawing attention to their texture and adding a touch of luxury to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Shrimp Pasta Dish
- Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, and blanching.
- Nonstick frying pan: A frying pan with a nonstick coating to prevent food from sticking.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.
- Glass or stainless-steel bowl: A bowl made of glass or stainless steel, used for mixing and holding ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining foods such as pasta or washing vegetables.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating foods such as cheese or vegetables.
- Lemon squeezer: A tool used for extracting juice from lemons or other citrus fruits.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting foods.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading foods.
- Garlic press: A tool used for crushing garlic cloves to extract their flavor.
- Zester: A kitchen tool used for grating the outer peel of citrus fruits to add flavor to dishes.
- Parmesan grater: A tool specifically designed for grating hard cheeses like Parmesan.
- Strainer: A kitchen tool used for separating liquids from solids or removing impurities from liquids.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups, stews, and sauces.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Stove: A cooking appliance with burners or heating elements used for cooking food in pots and pans.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Pasta Shells with Shrimp
To store leftover pasta shells with shrimp and bread crumbs, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta to help restore moisture and prevent it from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta shells with shrimp and bread crumbs. Transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer. The dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat from frozen, thaw the pasta shells with shrimp and bread crumbs in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or olive oil to help restore moisture.
Note that the texture of the bread crumbs may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the overall flavor of the dish should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Pasta Shells with Shrimp
- The best way to reheat leftover pasta shells with shrimp and bread crumbs is to use a microwave or an oven. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of water or olive oil. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the bread crumbs to crisp up.
- If the pasta seems dry after reheating, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil to help revive the flavors and add moisture. You can also sprinkle some fresh parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
- To maintain the texture of the shrimp, it's best to reheat them separately from the pasta. You can do this by sautéing them in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Then, add them back to the reheated pasta.
- If you have any leftover curly endive, you can add it to the pasta during the last few minutes of reheating to wilt it slightly and incorporate it into the dish. This will help to freshen up the flavors and add some extra texture to the reheated pasta.
Interesting Trivia About Pasta Shells with Shrimp and Bread Crumbs
The pasta shells with shrimp and bread crumbs recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion. Shrimp is a great source of protein and pairs wonderfully with the pasta shells, while the garlic bread crumbs add a satisfying crunch. This dish is a great way to incorporate seafood into your diet and enjoy a delicious meal.
Is Making Pasta Shells with Shrimp and Bread Crumbs Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this pasta shells with shrimp and bread crumbs recipe is moderate. The use of shrimp can be a bit pricey, but the dish is balanced with affordable ingredients like pasta and bread crumbs. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a reasonable option for a special dinner.
Is This Shrimp and Pasta Recipe Healthy?
The pasta shells with shrimp and bread crumbs recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- The recipe uses olive oil, which is a healthy fat, but the amount used (2 tablespoons) could be reduced to lower the overall calorie content.
- Bread crumbs add a nice crunch to the dish, but they are also a source of refined carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes.
- Shrimp is a lean protein source, but the recipe doesn't specify the portion size, which could lead to overconsumption of calories.
- The recipe includes parmesan cheese, which is high in saturated fat and sodium.
- Curly endive is a nutritious green, but the recipe only calls for 3 ounces, which may not be enough to provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the bread crumb mixture to 1 tablespoon, and use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Replace half of the bread crumbs with whole wheat panko or crushed nuts for added fiber and healthy fats.
- Use a larger portion of shrimp (1½ lbs) to increase the protein content of the dish, and reduce the amount of pasta shells to ½ lb to lower the carbohydrate content.
- Opt for a low-fat parmesan cheese or use a smaller amount of regular parmesan to reduce the saturated fat and sodium content.
- Increase the amount of curly endive to 6 ounces, and add other colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the nutrient density of the dish.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Shrimp Pasta Dish
This pasta shells with shrimp and bread crumbs recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispy garlic bread crumbs add a satisfying crunch, while the tangy dressing with lemon juice and anchovy paste perfectly complements the succulent shrimp and tender pasta shells. The addition of curly endive provides a refreshing and slightly bitter note, balancing the dish beautifully. Overall, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of ingredients that will surely impress your guests and elevate any dining experience.
Enhance Your Pasta Shells with Shrimp and Bread Crumbs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Pasta Shells with Shrimp and Bread Crumbs Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. The use of fresh ingredients such as shrimp and curly endive guarantees a vibrant and wholesome dish. The incorporation of lemon juice and olive oil enhances the overall taste, while the addition of parmesan and garlic bread crumbs provides a delightful crunch. The careful balance of seasonings and the methodical cooking process ensures a harmonious blend of flavors. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the thoughtful preparation to create a memorable meal.
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