Shrimp Puttanesca : This is a vibrant, savory dish that combines tender shrimp with the classic, punchy flavors of Puttanesca sauce for a quick weeknight dinner.
What is Shrimp Puttanesca?
Shrimp Puttanesca is a seafood variation of the traditional Italian Puttanesca sauce. The classic Puttanesca sauce is known for its bold, salty, and tangy flavors, made with ingredients like tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, anchovies, and chili flakes. By adding shrimp, you bring in a fresh, delicate sweetness that perfectly balances the robust sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Puttanesca
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them can make them rubbery. Be sure to remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink.
- Adjust the sauce to your preference: If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a bit more wine or a ladle of reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce.
- Fresh vs. canned tomatoes: Both fresh cherry tomatoes and canned crushed tomatoes work great in this recipe. Fresh tomatoes will give a brighter, fresher flavor, while canned tomatoes offer a more robust, hearty sauce.
Variations on Shrimp Puttanesca
Puttanesca without Anchovies: If you’re allergic or prefer to skip the anchovies, you can add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce to maintain that umami richness.
Vegan Puttanesca: Substitute the shrimp with hearty vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. You can also use plant-based shrimp alternatives.
Chicken Puttanesca: If you’re not a seafood fan, swap the shrimp with thinly sliced chicken breast. Cook it the same way, and you’ll have a delicious poultry-based version.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the Shrimp Puttanesca over zoodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.
How to Serve Shrimp Puttanesca
Shrimp Puttanesca is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this dish:
- Over Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini are classic choices for this dish. The pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a hearty, comforting meal.
- With Crusty Bread: Use a rustic Italian loaf to mop up every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
- Over Zoodles or Spaghetti Squash: For a low-carb option, serve over spiralized zucchini or roasted spaghetti squash.
- Alongside a Simple Salad: Pair the rich, bold flavors of Puttanesca with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to keep things light.
How to Store Shrimp Puttanesca
Storing Leftovers
Shrimp Puttanesca can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Freezing
You can freeze the Puttanesca sauce without the shrimp for up to 3 months. Simply add freshly cooked shrimp when you’re ready to serve. Freezing cooked shrimp can alter their texture, so it’s best to add them fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You can thaw shrimp by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
Do I need to use anchovies?
Anchovies are a key ingredient in traditional Puttanesca sauce, adding a deep umami flavor. However, if you’re not a fan, you can leave them out or substitute with a dash of fish sauce to achieve a similar taste.
What type of olives should I use?
Kalamata olives are ideal for this recipe due to their rich, briny flavor, but you can also use green olives if you prefer a slightly milder taste.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Shrimp Puttanesca
Shrimp Puttanesca : This is a vibrant, savory dish that combines tender shrimp with the classic, punchy flavors of Puttanesca sauce for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
- Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined
- Butter: 2 tbsp, divided
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pound
- Anchovy Fillets: 2 (trust me, they add a subtle depth of flavor!)
- Salt and Black Pepper: 1 tsp each
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
- Sweet Paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
- Tomato Paste: 3 tbsp
- Capers: 2 tbsp
- Parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Vegetable Broth: ¾ cup
- Green Olives: ½ cup, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. Set it aside to soak in all those flavors while you prep the rest.
- Chop and Mince: Get your garlic minced, parsley chopped, and olives roughly diced. This little bit of prep will make the cooking process seamless.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Lay the shrimp in a single layer and sear for just a minute on each side until they’re pink and plump. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Burst the Tomatoes: Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then toss in the cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to burst, pressing them gently with a fork to release all that juicy goodness.
- Flavor Explosion: Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. Next, stir in the dried thyme, anchovy fillets (they’ll melt beautifully into the sauce), and tomato paste. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Simmer and Assemble: Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Toss in the chopped olives and capers for a briny punch. Finally, stir in the parsley and return the shrimp to the pan. Let it all simmer for another minute, just until the shrimp are heated through.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 111Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 2mgSodium 691mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 5gSugar 16gProtein 3g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Shrimp Puttanesca is a must-try dish for seafood lovers who appreciate bold, punchy flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Whether served over pasta or zoodles, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Check my other shrimp recipes:
