Spaghettini with shrimps and blistered chilli pesto

Experience a burst of flavors with this Spaghettini with Shrimps and Blistered Chilli Pesto recipe. Featuring juicy tomatoes, spicy red chili peppers, succulent shrimps, and a zesty lemon finish, this dish is a perfect blend of heat and freshness. Serve up a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen with just a few simple ingredients.

  • 30 Mar 2024
  • Cook time 15 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 11 Ingredients

Spaghettini with shrimps and blistered chilli pesto

Spaghettini with shrimps and blistered chilli pesto is a delightful and zesty dish that brings together the flavors of succulent shrimp, spicy chili peppers, and a punchy pesto sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat and a lot of flavor in their pasta dishes. The combination of fresh ingredients creates a vibrant and delicious meal that is both satisfying and impressive.

Ingredients:

1 lb tomatoes
450g
2 red hot chili peppers
80g
1 tsp sugar
5g
1/4 cup olive oil
60g
1/3 cup pine nuts
55g
4 shallots
200g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 tbsp capers
16g
12 oz shrimps
340g
2 tbsp lemon zest
30g
12 oz pasta
340g

Instructions:

1. Blister the Tomatoes and Chilies:
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the whole tomatoes and chili peppers.
- Cook, turning occasionally, until the skin is blistered and charred, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Pesto:
- Once the blistered tomatoes and chilies are cool enough to handle, remove the skins (they should peel off easily), and roughly chop both.
- Add the tomatoes, chilies, and sugar to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the toasted pine nuts to the blender and blend again until smooth.
- Set the pesto aside.
3. Cook the Shrimps:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimps, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimps from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Mince the shallots and garlic cloves.
- In the skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the shallots and garlic until they are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the capers and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Cook the Pasta:
- While the shallots are sautéing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghettini according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
6. Combine:
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the pesto mixture to the skillet with the shallots and garlic. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimps to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.
- If the mixture is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the lemon zest.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra pine nuts or lemon zest if desired.

Tips:

- To easily peel and devein shrimp, use a small knife or specialized seafood tool. Removing the shell and vein before cooking will ensure your dish tastes clean and refined.

- Roast the tomatoes and chili peppers until they are blistered for a deeper, smokier flavor in your pesto. This can be done under a broiler or in a very hot oven.

- Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the pesto. This enhances their flavor and adds a delicious, nutty note to the sauce.

- When cooking the pasta, ensure it is al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture, which is essential for this dish.

- Reserve a little pasta water before draining. Adding a splash of pasta water to your pasta sauce can help to thicken it and make it cling better to the noodles.

- For an extra burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lemon juice and some chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving.

This Spaghettini with shrimps and blistered chilli pesto is a perfect meal to impress your family and friends. The unique blend of flavors from the spicy chili peppers, savory garlic, tangy lemon zest, and succulent shrimp will leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light salad to complete this delicious experience. Enjoy your cooking!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size400 grams
Energy
Calories 520kcal21%
Protein
Protein 27g18%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 80g22%
Fiber 6g16%
Sugar 11g11%
Fat
Fat 27g31%
Saturated 3.28g11%
Cholesterol 110mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 100ug11%
Choline 100mg19%
Vitamin B1 0.91mg75%
Vitamin B2 0.44mg34%
Vitamin B3 9mg58%
Vitamin B6 0.54mg32%
Vitamin B9 250ug64%
Vitamin B12 0.94ug39%
Vitamin C 50mg54%
Vitamin E 3.24mg22%
Vitamin K 20ug17%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 90mg7%
Copper, Cu 0.70mg0%
Iron, Fe 4.46mg41%
Magnesium, Mg 120mg29%
Phosphorus, P 500mg40%
Potassium, K 800mg23%
Selenium, Se 80ug144%
Sodium, Na 200mg14%
Zinc, Zn 3.25mg30%
Water
Water 250g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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