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Le penne with prawns They're a seafood first course with a bold and fragrant flavor. They combine the delicacy of shellfish with the creaminess of a light and enveloping sauce. This dish perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine: a few simple, yet high-quality ingredients. These are combined to create a balance of flavors that is instantly recognizable and satisfying.  

Shrimp are the star of this recipe. These crustaceans, once carefully cleaned and shelled, offer firm, flavorful flesh. They require very little cooking time to remain tender and juicy. Cleaning shrimp requires care: removing the shell and intestinal tract is essential not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to avoid bitter or unpleasant flavors in the dish.  

The aromatic base can be very simple, built around a clove of garlic lightly browned in hot extra virgin olive oil. This initial step releases warm, fragrant aromas, which blend beautifully with the other ingredients during cooking.  

Many versions of this recipe also include tomato puree and cooking creamThese ingredients transform the dish into a richer, creamier version, where the sauce pairs perfectly with the pasta. The passata adds a hint of sweetness and acidity. Furthermore, the cream softens the flavor profile, creating a silky texture that envelops each penne.  

The use of cream is completely optional. Without it, the version remains lighter and fresher, allowing the shrimp's flavor to shine through with a simple dressing of oil, garlic, and tomato. This "cleaner" approach is often preferred in the summer or when you want a less rich dish that still packs a punch.  

In both preparations, it's important not to overcook the shrimp. They should just become opaque and turn a light pink, a sign that they're cooked to perfection. If you overcook them, they risk toughening and losing their natural juiciness.  

Once the sauce is ready, add it to the pasta, cooked al dente, and proceed to the "mantecatura." This involves tossing the pasta in the sauce for a few minutes, perhaps adding a few tablespoons of the cooking water to further blend the ingredients. This way, the "mantecatura" allows the sauce to cling to the penne, enveloping them perfectly. This way, every forkful is rich and satisfying.  

The finishing touch of chopped fresh parsley It adds a herbaceous note that brightens the dish. It also pleasantly breaks up the monotonous color of the cream or tomato sauce. Freshly ground black pepper, if desired, adds a slightly spicy contrast that balances the sweetness of the shrimp.  

Nutritionally, penne with shrimp offers a balance of carbohydrates from the pasta, lean protein from the shrimp, and healthy fats from the olive oil or cream, if used. It's a dish that can be served during an elegant dinner. Or it's perfect for a convivial lunch, as it embodies lightness, flavor, and instant pleasure.  

Furthermore, this recipe is extremely versatile: it can be enriched with fresh cherry tomatoes cut in half. You can also add grated lemon zest for a fresher flavour. Or a pinch of chili pepper for those who like a spicy note in their dish.