Legume Casarecce with Shrimp, Spinach, and Lemon
Category: Pasta Dishes | Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chickpea Casarecce | 250g |
| Shrimp | 400g |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Spinach | 300g |
| Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
| Lemon juice | ½ lemon |
| Thyme | 3 sprigs |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. While waiting for the water to come to a boil, clean the shrimp by gently pulling off their heads, legs, and shells. With a sharp knife, make a small incision along the back of each shrimp and remove the black vein (the digestive tract). If you prefer convenience, you can use 150g of pre-cleaned shrimp. -
-
Sauté Aromatics and Spinach
Slice the fresh chili pepper into thin rounds, removing the seeds if you prefer a milder dish. In a large pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the peeled garlic cloves and chili slices to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. -
Cook the Spinach
Add the spinach to the pan and season with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally as the spinach wilts down. Once the spinach is tender and has released its moisture, remove the garlic cloves from the pan. Continue cooking the spinach for an additional 8 minutes on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it is fully softened. -
Grate Lemon Zest and Juice
While the spinach cooks, zest the lemon and set aside. Once the spinach is ready, squeeze the juice from half the lemon into the pan. Add the lemon zest and sprigs of thyme, stirring everything together to infuse the flavors. -
Cook the Pasta
In the meantime, cook the chickpea casarecce in the boiling salted water according to package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving a little of the cooking water. -
Combine and Serve
Add the cleaned shrimp to the pan with the spinach, cooking them for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help bind the ingredients together if needed.Serve the dish hot, garnished with a little more lemon zest and fresh thyme, if desired. Enjoy the rich flavors of shrimp, spinach, and lemon, enhanced by the hearty chickpea pasta.
This recipe combines the rich flavors of shrimp with the brightness of lemon and the hearty, earthy taste of chickpea pasta. The spinach adds a healthy, savory touch, making this dish not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect light yet satisfying meal for any time of the day!
