Francesca'S Shrimp And Shells Picatta
A vibrant seafood pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, colorful peppers, and mushrooms in a tangy lemon caper sauce, perfect for lively family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. American Italian medium shells ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and cleaned ⓘ
- 3/4 c. red peppers, diced large ⓘ
- 1 c. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. scallions, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. capers ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a large preheated skillet, add olive oil and sauté shrimp, red peppers, mushrooms, scallions, and garlic.
- Cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until shrimp is cooked through.
- Add white wine, lemon juice, capers, and butter to the skillet.
- Blend well and cook for 1 minute.
- Toss hot cooked pasta into the skillet and mix thoroughly.
- Add chopped parsley and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the butter with a bit more olive oil. If you don't have dry white wine, chicken broth can work as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Fresh herbs like basil can also complement the dish well. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially salt and pepper, as capers can be quite salty.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with extra parsley for color. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving a light seafood side like Tortellini And Shrimp Salad or a fresh vegetable medley to balance the flavors of the shrimp and pasta.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the shrimp and shells picatta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or wine can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Francesca'S Shrimp And Shells Picatta contains roughly 338 calories, with 15g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (101% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), and potassium (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 783mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery. A quick soak in cold water can speed up the thawing process if you're short on time.
What can I substitute for scallions?
If you don't have scallions, you can use finely chopped yellow or white onions as a substitute. While the flavor will differ slightly, they will still add the necessary onion flavor. Just be mindful to sauté them longer to achieve a soft texture similar to scallions.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the shrimp and vegetables. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, ensuring it enhances rather than overwhelms the dish's delicate flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).