Spaghetti with Shrimp, Stracchino Cheese, and Saffron
Category: Main Course (Primi Piatti)
Servings: 4
This delicious pasta dish combines succulent shrimp, creamy stracchino cheese, and the aromatic essence of saffron for an unforgettable flavor experience. It’s a dish that’s both luxurious and easy to prepare, making it perfect for special occasions or a refined weeknight dinner. The marriage of fresh seafood with the rich, mild creaminess of stracchino and the delicate spice of saffron is a true delight.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 320g |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 400g |
| Stracchino cheese | 200g |
| Saffron | 1 pinch |
| Garlic (clove) | 1 |
| White wine | ½ cup |
| Whole milk | 3 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Ground chili pepper | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by cleaning the shrimp. Put on a pair of latex gloves, and carefully remove the heads, tails, and shells. Use a small skewer or toothpick to gently remove the black vein running along the back of the shrimp. Once cleaned, give them a quick rinse under cold water. Place them on a tray lined with paper towels to dry off any excess moisture. -
Make the Stracchino Cream:
In a bowl, combine the stracchino cheese with the whole milk, mixing until smooth. To infuse a subtle garlic flavor, crush a garlic clove with the side of a knife. Set this aside for later. -
Boil the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil for the pasta. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. -
Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic clove and sauté for a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Next, deglaze the pan by adding the white wine. Allow the wine to cook off and reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes. -
Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with a pinch of chili powder, freshly ground black pepper, and fine salt. Stir in the stracchino cheese mixture, allowing the cheese to melt and blend into a creamy sauce. Lower the heat to a simmer. -
Infuse the Saffron:
In a small bowl, steep the saffron threads in a spoonful of warm water for a few minutes. Once dissolved, add this infusion to the skillet, mixing gently. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened and the flavors meld. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, remove the garlic from the skillet and discard it. Toss the pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and stracchino sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce, allowing everything to heat through. -
Garnish and Serve:
Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, offering a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for an added kick.
Tips for Success:
- For Extra Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can increase the amount of stracchino cheese or add a splash more milk to make the sauce extra silky.
- Wine Pairing: A light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the delicate flavors of this dish.
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest shrimp available for the best taste. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~540 kcal |
| Protein | ~32g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~380mg |
| Cholesterol | ~160mg |
This recipe for Spaghetti with Shrimp, Stracchino, and Saffron is a luxurious yet simple dish that promises to impress. Its smooth and creamy sauce with a touch of saffron offers a unique twist on classic pasta dishes, making it perfect for a dinner party or a comforting evening meal. Enjoy the balance of flavors from the savory shrimp, rich cheese, and aromatic spices!
