Shrimp Bolognese: A Seafood Twist on a Classic Italian Favorite
Shrimp Bolognese is a flavorful pasta dish that swaps out ground meat for tender shrimp, creating a lighter but equally hearty alternative to the traditional Bolognese sauce. Paired with your favorite pasta, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
200g Shrimp (peeled and deveined, roughly chopped)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup carrot (finely chopped or grated)
1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy sauce)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite variety)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet, chop them into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, white wine (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped shrimp back into the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just to heat the shrimp through.
If you prefer a creamy Bolognese, add the heavy cream at this point and stir until the sauce is rich and smooth.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve a little pasta water to help thin the sauce if needed.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp Bolognese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Shrimp Bolognese in bowls, topped with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Bolognese:
Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp. Frozen shrimp works as well but may need a little extra time to cook.
Add More Veggies: You can add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Make it Spicy: If you like heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or drizzle with some chili oil before serving.
Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
Shrimp Bolognese is a refreshing twist on a classic Italian favorite. With its rich tomato sauce, tender shrimp, and perfect pasta, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress anyone at the table. Enjoy!