Penne with Shrimp and Chickpeas

Penne with Shrimp and Chickpeas is a dish that combines sea flavors with land-based culinary elements for a surprising result. Here is the traditional recipe with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 320 g of penne
• 200 g of cleaned shrimp
• 240 g of cooked chickpeas (if they are dry, they must be soaked overnight and then cooked)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 chili pepper (optional)
• Fresh parsley to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. In a large pan, lightly sauté the garlic cloves in extra virgin olive oil. If you like, you can also add a chili pepper to give the dish a spicy flavor.
2. Add the shrimp and sauté until they turn pink. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can deglaze with a bit of white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
3. Incorporate the cooked chickpeas into the preparation and let everything flavor for a few minutes. Adjust salt and pepper.
4. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente.
5. Drain the pasta and transfer it into the pan with the shrimp and chickpeas. Mix all the ingredients so the pasta absorbs the flavors of the seasoning.
6. Add the chopped fresh parsley just before turning off the heat and mix well.

Serve the penne with shrimp and chickpeas hot, perhaps with a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Curiosity

This recipe is an example of how Mediterranean cooking can elegantly combine flavors of the sea and the land. In addition, the use of chickpeas is very widespread in Italian cuisine, especially in the center and south of Italy, where legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans are often used in unique dishes rich in flavor and nourishment.