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Farfalle with shrimp, basil, and pine nuts

17/11/2023

Farfalle with shrimp, basil, and pine nuts is a simple yet refined dish, perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. Here is what you need and how to prepare it.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of farfalle (butterfly-shaped pasta)
  • 400 g of shrimp, already cleaned
  • 1 handful of fresh basil
  • 30 g of pine nuts
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 glass of white wine (optional)
  • Lemon juice (optional)

Preparation

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta. When the water is boiling, add the farfalle and cook them al dente following the instructions on the package.

  2. In the meantime, in a large enough skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until they become golden brown, then remove them and set aside.

  3. In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil and the whole garlic clove (which you will remove later) and let it turn golden brown.

  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté over high heat for a few minutes. If desired, you can deglaze with a glass of white wine and wait for the alcohol to evaporate.

  5. Drain the farfalle when they are al dente and transfer them to the skillet with the shrimp.

  6. Add the toasted pine nuts and a handful of fresh basil, cut into strips. If you like, you can sprinkle a bit of lemon juice to add freshness.

  7. Mix well to flavor the pasta. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.

  8. Remove the garlic clove and serve hot directly onto plates.

Trivia

Pine nuts are a highly appreciated ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially in the preparation of the classic pesto alla genovese. In seafood recipes, the addition of toasted pine nuts offers a pleasant contrast in texture and a distinctive taste that pairs well with the sweetness of the shrimp.

Farfalle with shrimp, basil, and pine nuts