This spaghetti with shrimp recipe is my favorite Italy. I’ve been here a few times now and I’ve pretty much decided it’s my favorite place on Earth. However, there are many destinations in one country you can make 20 trips to different regions of Italy and none of them will feel the same as the others. The rolling hills of TuscanyVenice’s rich history, charming Capriand bustling Rome — each with its own unique aesthetic and culture, and I never cease to inspire them.
The other reason why I officially declared Italy my favorite destination is that you really can not defeat dish. While I can’t think of anything other than a view of the Amalfi Coast and exploring the charming areas of Rome, I mostly dream of pasta. And these days, this spaghetti with shrimp recipe is in regular rotation.
Featured image of Lily Young.
When I’m there, I eat Italian food for every meal and never get tired of it. And you know what’s fun? Although I feel like I’m eating my way through Italy, feel free to enjoy pasta, fresh mozzarella, gelato and alcohol, I return home feeling as good (if not better) than when I left Austin. I’ve been thinking a lot about the reason for this Italian secret, and I have a few theories.
For one thing, I believe that when we are fully present in our meals, enjoying the taste of every bite the way they do in Italy, our bodies can properly metabolize and digest our food. When we slow down and really enjoy our meal, those satiety signals can reach our brains to let us know that we’re satisfied. We were so happy with the experience that we didn’t need more. Their other secret? In general, Italians follow the principles of Mediterranean diet.
What is the Mediterranean diet?
The US News and World Report 2022 has again ranked the Mediterranean Diet as the healthiest diet in the world, with benefits like weight loss, heart and brain health, cancer prevention and chronic disease prevention. It includes healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, legumes, lean protein, vegetables and (hallelujah!!), pasta. It’s really less of a diet than a lifestyle, as staying physically active and hanging out with the people you care about are important components of the plan.
One of my favorite aspects of the Mediterranean diet is that it doesn’t ban entire food groups. Because for a food lover like me, I want to stay healthy without sacrificing any of the joys in life. And pasta is meant to be enjoyed! It’s perfectly fine in reasonable quantities and it’s the ideal drum medium to unleash your creativity in the kitchen and incorporate all kinds of colors, healthy and seasonal ingredients.
At home, I love this simple spaghetti with shrimp because Summer light pasta it’s equally delicious Lunch or dinner (or a little midday sip!).
How do you cook spaghetti perfectly?
Spaghetti is arguably the most “pasta” shaped noodle, which means it shouldn’t be too difficult to perfect, right? Right. All it takes is some salt water and dry noodles and you’re cooking! I can tell you the recommended water-to-pasta ratio (about 4 quarts per pound), but who’s actually measuring? A large pot of water at full, simmering and salt is all you need to cook perfect spaghetti—And don’t even think about swirling the oil in the water. Contrary to popular belief, it does not prevent the noodles from sticking together and will your hindrance delicious sauce not stick.
As a general rule, you should salt the water with one and a half teaspoons of salt per pound of pasta and cook the spaghetti for about eight to ten minutes until it thickens. “Try the noodles” is recommended, so be sure to eat some along the way if you get bored. Boiling water + salt = perfect pasta.
What makes this pasta with shrimp recipe perfect for summer entertainment?
I created this spaghetti with shrimp recipe following the Mediterranean Diet, because it features exactly the nutritious and delicious ingredients on which this diet is built. This special recipe is perfect for summer entertainment, also. It’s light but very satisfying, and feels a bit high even though it’s 20 minutes together. It’s one of those “put it in the middle of the table and watch your friends join” type of dinner, served family style with a bottle of delicious crisps White wine.
Scroll down to find the recipe, and I’d love to hear the comments if you’ve jumped on the Mediterranean Diet train. For me, it’s a lifestyle that feels (and tastes) really good for my body and soul these days.
This post was originally published on May 29, 2019 and has since been updated.
