π€π Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp and Spinach π€π
What is it?
Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp and Spinach is a delicious and elegant Italian-inspired dish that combines tender shrimp, delicate angel hair pasta, and fresh spinach in a flavorful garlic and white wine sauce. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
History:
While there isn’t a specific historical account for this dish, it’s part of the broader tradition of Italian pasta dishes that date back centuries. Italy, renowned for its pasta-making expertise, has a rich culinary heritage that includes countless pasta recipes.
Components:
- Angel Hair Pasta: A fine, thin pasta that cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with light sauces.
- Shrimp: Typically, large or jumbo shrimp are used for this dish, peeled and deveined.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant green color and a touch of earthy flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory element to the dish.
- White Wine: Used to deglaze the pan and create the base for the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautΓ©ing the shrimp and garlic.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Lemon: Lemon juice and zest provide a refreshing citrusy note.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for seasoning.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is often sprinkled on top for added richness.
Steps to Prepare:
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Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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SautΓ© the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. SautΓ© for about a minute until fragrant.
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Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the white wine, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce by half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
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Add Spinach and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low and add fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook until it wilts down, and then return the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss everything together to combine and coat the pasta in the sauce.
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Incorporate the Shrimp: Gently stir in the cooked shrimp to warm them through.
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Lemon Zest and Juice: Grate lemon zest over the pasta and squeeze fresh lemon juice to add a bright, citrusy flavor.
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Serve: Plate the Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp and Spinach, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare this dish is approximately 30-40 minutes, making it a relatively quick and impressive meal option for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Enjoy your delightful π€π Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp and Spinach π€π!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp and Spinach:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 380-450 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 2-3g
- Total Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 4-6g
- Cholesterol: 150-200mg
- Sodium: 500-600mg
Health Information:
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Lean Protein: Shrimp is a lean source of protein, low in saturated fat. It provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and repair.
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Low in Saturated Fat: This dish is relatively low in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option when prepared with moderation in butter and cheese.
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Carbohydrates: Angel hair pasta provides carbohydrates for energy. Opt for whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content.
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Fiber from Spinach: Spinach contributes dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach is rich in vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Shrimp provides essential nutrients such as iodine and selenium.
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Healthy Fats: Olive oil used for sautΓ©ing and the butter in moderation provide healthy unsaturated fats.
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Antioxidants: Garlic and spinach contain antioxidants that may support overall health.
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Moderation: While this dish can be nutritious, be mindful of portion sizes and the amount of added butter and cheese to control calorie and fat intake.
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Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using whole wheat pasta, reducing butter and cheese, and increasing the proportion of vegetables.
Remember that actual nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your preparation. It’s always a good practice to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary recommendations.