Cavatelli with Mantis Shrimp

17/11/2023

I can provide you with the recipe for cavatelli with mantis shrimp, a dish that is especially typical of the coastal regions of Southern Italy. Mantis shrimp, also known as squilla, are delicate in flavor and lend themselves well to the preparation of refined and tasty first courses.

Ingredients

320 g of cavatelli (typical fresh pasta from Puglia)
400 g of mantis shrimp (squilla)
2 cloves of garlic
Parsley to taste
200 g of cherry tomatoes
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt to taste
White wine (one glass)

Preparation

Begin with cleaning the mantis shrimp: remove the head and the outer shell. You can then decide whether to leave the body with the tail intact or extract the fillet. Rinse well under running cold water.
In a large pan, fry the garlic cloves with extra virgin olive oil. If you like, you can also add some red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
Add the mantis shrimp to the pan and let them sauté for a couple of minutes. Then deglaze with a glass of white wine and allow the alcohol to evaporate.
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down, creating a light sauce. Season with salt to your liking.
Meanwhile, in a pot with plenty of salted water, cook the cavatelli according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the cavatelli and transfer them to the pan with the mantis shrimp sauce. Stir well so the pasta absorbs the flavor of the seasoning.
Sprinkle with plenty of fresh chopped parsley and serve the cavatelli hot.

Curious Facts

Cavatelli are a typical pasta from Puglia, often handmade by mixing flour, water, and sometimes a pinch of salt. Their concave shape and ridged surface make them perfect for capturing sauces and condiments.

As an accompaniment to this dish, a fresh and fruity white wine would be suitable: it can enhance the delicate flavor of the mantis shrimp without overpowering it. Enjoy your meal!