Portuguese Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe | Easy 30-Minute Meal
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delicious portuguese shrimp spaghetti! This dish brings together juicy prawns sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and a splash of white wine. With a kick from piri piri and a hint of tomato, this spicy garlic pasta is bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner that feels fancy, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a protein-packed seafood meal right at home!
Tips for Success
• When cooking the shrimp, ensure they are not overcooked. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque; this usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor.
• For more depth of flavor, sauté the garlic in the olive oil for a minute before adding the red pepper. This will infuse the oil with garlic flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• To prevent the spaghetti from becoming mushy, cook it until just al dente, according to package instructions. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; you can use this to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even your choice of fish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through.
How should I store leftover portuguese shrimp spaghetti?
Store any leftover shrimp spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
What can I do if my shrimp are overcooked?
If shrimp are overcooked, they will become tough and rubbery. To avoid this in the future, make sure to cook shrimp only until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 3-4 minutes, and remove them from heat immediately.
Recommended Drink Pairings
- Vinho Verde: This light and refreshing Portuguese white wine complements the shrimp and adds a crisp acidity.
- Sauvignon Blanc: The citrus notes in this wine enhance the flavors of the dish, especially the garlic and herbs.
- Piri Piri Lemonade: A spicy twist on classic lemonade that matches the heat from the piri piri sauce.
- Sparkling Water: The bubbles cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the olive oil and butter.
- Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai provide a comforting contrast to the seafood and tomato flavors.
Ingredients
Equipment:
Directions
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with a portion of the white wine to assist in thawing.
- Peel the shrimp carefully and set aside.
- Boil a large pot of water and season generously with salt and a knob of butter.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.
- Combine the garlic, olive oil, and the seafood stock cube in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the mixture until the garlic is lightly golden and fragrant.
- Stir in the red pepper strips, peeled shrimp, parsley, chives, piri piri sauce, and tomato paste.
- Pour in the remaining white wine and simmer the sauce for the duration of the pasta's cooking time, allowing the shrimp to turn pink and opaque.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti thoroughly.
- Transfer the pasta into the frying pan with the shrimp and sauce.
- Toss the ingredients together vigorously to ensure every strand of spaghetti is coated.
- Remove from heat immediately to maintain the tender texture of the seafood.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Adapted from a Recipe by: Morango i Chocolate
