Penne with Tomato-Shrimp Sauce

This versatile and mouthwatering recipe presents a delightful pasta dish that can be customized to suit your taste and the seafood available in your kitchen. With a preparation time of just 40 minutes, this Penne with Tomato and Shrimp Sauce offers a delectable combination of flavors and textures. The tomato-based sauce, infused with garlic, rosemary, and a touch of heat from red chile, forms the perfect bed for succulent shrimp. As the flavors meld together, the dish comes alive with freshness from the parsley. Whether you choose to stick to the classic shrimp or explore the variations with squid, tuna, or a medley of seafood, this recipe guarantees an enjoyable and satisfying culinary experience.

MAKES: At least 4 servings

TIME: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• Salt
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small dried hot red chile or hot red pepper flakes, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes, seeded (or drained canned)
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound penne or other cut pasta
• 3/4 to 1 pound large (21–30) shrimp, peeled, cut up if very large
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt to it. This salted water will be used to cook the pasta later.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the dried hot red chile or red pepper flakes and the lightly crushed garlic. Cook, stirring, until the garlic turns brown and infuses the oil with its flavor, which will take about a minute.
3. Remove and discard the chile and garlic, then add the chopped tomatoes to the infused oil. Stir and cook until the tomatoes begin to liquefy, which will be around 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the minced rosemary, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. If you prefer to prepare the sauce ahead of time, it can be refrigerated for a day or two or frozen for several weeks. Simply reheat it before adding the shrimp.
4. While the sauce is cooking, cook the penne or your chosen cut pasta in the boiling water until it just begins to soften. Stir the shrimp into the sauce, and they will need to cook for only 3 to 4 minutes. Also, add most of the chopped parsley.
5. Drain the pasta when it reaches a tender but not mushy consistency. Toss the pasta with the sauce and the remaining parsley until well-coated.
6. Serve immediately and savor the harmonious blend of flavors in this Penne with Tomato and Shrimp Sauce. The dish showcases the versatility of seafood and how it can be effortlessly paired with pasta to create a delightful and satisfying meal.

TIPS:

• The recipe allows for flexibility with seafood choices. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, or explore other options such as squid or tuna for interesting variations.
• For those who prefer a creamier sauce, consider the Penne with Shrimp in Creamy Vodka Sauce variation, which introduces vodka and cream to the mix for a luscious and indulgent touch.

This Penne with Tomato and Shrimp Sauce recipe provides a canvas for culinary creativity. Experiment with different seafood choices, play with the level of spiciness, or add cream for a rich twist. No matter the variation, this dish promises to impress with its simplicity, versatility, and delightful flavors that will leave you craving for more.