Preparation of Shrimp Pasta (Crevette) the French Way
Shrimp pasta (crevette) is a delicious French recipe that combines the rich flavors of seafood with the delightful taste of pasta. This recipe blends the aromatic flavors of French herbs with fresh shrimp and a creamy sauce, making it a perfect choice for an elegant dinner.
-Ingredients:
500 grams of pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
400 grams of peeled and cleaned shrimp (crevette)
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup of fresh heavy cream (cooking cream)
1/2 cup of fish stock (or chicken broth)
1/4 cup of white wine (optional)
1 teaspoon of dried French herbs (like thyme and rosemary)
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
-Preparation:
1. Cook the pasta:
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Be sure to boil the pasta in salted water until it reaches the "al dente" stage, meaning it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta and reserve some of the cooking water.
2. Prepare the shrimp (crevette):
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook it, as it may become tough. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the creamy sauce:
In the same skillet, add the butter and wait for it to melt. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add liquids and herbs:
Pour the white wine into the skillet (if using) and let it simmer for one minute to evaporate the alcohol. Then, add the fish stock or chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
5. Add cream and cheese:
Lower the heat and add the fresh cream to the skillet, stirring constantly until the ingredients are well combined. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Afterward, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it fully melts.
6. Return the shrimp and pasta:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the lemon juice and dried French herbs. Let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes so the flavors blend. At this point, add the cooked pasta to the sauce, and gently toss to coat the pasta well with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
7. Serving:
Transfer the shrimp pasta to serving plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and sprinkle with an extra touch of Parmesan cheese. You can also add lemon slices for decoration and extra zest.
-Additional Tips:
You can use different types of pasta according to preference, such as penne or linguine.
Adding a pinch of red chili flakes will give the dish a spicy kick.
For a rich shrimp flavor, use high-quality fresh shrimp.
-Notes on the Recipe:
This recipe is a great option for those looking to serve a luxurious and easy-to-prepare meal. The combination of shrimp and cream with a touch of French herbs adds an elegant and distinctive touch to the dish. It can be served with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
-Health Benefits:
Shrimp is rich in protein and healthy fatty acids like Omega-3.
French herbs contain antioxidants that boost the immune system.
Using olive oil adds healthy fats that are beneficial for the heart.
-Conclusion:
Shrimp pasta the French way is a luxurious and delicious meal that combines fresh seafood with deep, rich flavors. This dish is a perfect choice for a special dinner with family or friends, offering a unique French culinary experience with simple touches that make its preparation both easy and enjoyable.
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