Spaghetti with Asparagus, Pine Nuts, and Prawns

17/11/2023

Spaghetti with asparagus, pine nuts, and prawns is an elegant and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of the seafood with the crunchiness of the pine nuts and the freshness of asparagus. Here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients

320 g of spaghetti
400 g of fresh or frozen prawns
300 g of asparagus
30 g of pine nuts
2 cloves of garlic
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
A small bunch of fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation

Clean the prawns by removing the shell and, if you prefer, the intestinal thread as well. Set aside.
Wash the asparagus and cut the tips and part of the stem. Use only the tender parts and cut them into pieces of about 3 cm.
Put a pan on the stove with a drizzle of oil and the garlic cloves. Sauté briefly, then add the prawns. Let them cook for a few minutes until they change color and turn pink, then remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the asparagus and cook for a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp. If necessary, add a little of the spaghetti cooking water to keep them from drying out.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti al dente following the timings on the package.
Toast the pine nuts in a small pan without adding oil until they are golden. Be careful not to burn them, they brown very quickly.
Drain the al dente spaghetti and transfer them to the pan with the asparagus. Add the prawns and toasted pine nuts.
Toss everything together for a few minutes so the flavors blend well, adjusting for salt and pepper.
If desired, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serve the spaghetti hot in deep plates and if you like, you can complete with a grated lemon zest for an extra touch of freshness.

Fun Fact

Prawns are a type of very prized crustacean, often used in Mediterranean cuisine to add a touch of elegance to dishes. Their delicate flavor pairs perfectly with simple ingredients like asparagus and the aromatic taste of toasted pine nuts. Additionally, a winning pairing could be a glass of fresh and fruity white wine, like Vermentino or Sauvignon Blanc.