Pasta With Shrimp And Fennel
A flavorful seafood pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, sweet fennel, and fresh herbs in a light tomato and wine sauce, perfect for a quick yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. fennel, thinly sliced
- 1 c. coarsely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. white wine
- 1 c. white wine (may substitute chicken broth) ⓘ
- 14 oz. can Italian style tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- basil, fresh or dried ⓘ
- Italian parsley, fresh or dried ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. shelled and deveined shrimp ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute fennel, onion, garlic, and salt in olive oil for a few minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add white wine or chicken broth; cook for approximately 5-10 minutes until fennel is tender.
- Add chopped Italian tomatoes, basil, and parsley; cook for a few more minutes.
- Add shrimp; cook until shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the cooked linguini with the sauce and serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade seafood stock instead of white wine or chicken broth. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of garlic. Fresh herbs elevate the dish, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. If shrimp is unavailable, substitute with scallops or a mix of seafood for a twist. This recipe pairs beautifully with Linguini With White Clam Sauce And Broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of additional herbs. A side of crusty Italian bread complements the dish perfectly, allowing you to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. This dish is a wonderful option for a casual dinner or entertaining guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture of the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Shrimp And Fennel contains roughly 303 calories, with 16g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2542mg per serving (111% 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 ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for quicker results. Cooking times may vary slightly, so watch for the shrimp to turn pink.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While linguini is traditionally used, this sauce pairs well with other pasta shapes such as fettuccine or penne. Choose a pasta that will hold the sauce well for the best flavor experience.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked pasta. Avoid cooking the shrimp too early to maintain their texture.
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).