This spaghetti with shrimp recipe represents my love of Italy. I’ve been here a few times now and I’ve pretty much decided it’s my favorite place on Earth. For one thing, there are so many different destinations within that one country that you could take 20 trips to different parts of Italy and none of them feel like the others. Tuscany’s rolling hills, Venice’s rich history, charming Capri and bustling Rome — each with its own unique aesthetic and culture, and I’ve always inspired them all.
The other reason why I officially declared Italy my favorite destination is that you really can not beat food. 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 about 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 felt like I was eating my way through Italy, comfortably enjoying pasta, fresh mozzarella, gelato and wine, I came home as good (if not better) as 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 it in Italy, our bodies can properly metabolize and digest the 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 the Mediterranean Diet.
What is the Mediterranean diet?
The US News and World Report 2022 again ranks the Mediterranean Diet as the healthiest diet in the world, with benefits such as weight loss, heart and brain health, and prevention. cancer and prevent chronic disease. 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 blank slate to unleash your creativity in the kitchen and incorporate all sorts of colorful, healthy, and seasonal ingredients.
At home, I love this simple spaghetti with shrimp for a summery light noodle that’s equally delicious for lunch or dinner (or a little midday!).
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 is always simmering and salt is all you need to cook the perfect spaghetti — and don’t even think about the oil swirling in the water. Contrary to popular belief, it does not prevent the noodles from sticking together and will prevent your delicious sauce from sticking.
As a general rule, you should salt your water with one and a half teaspoons of salt per pound of pasta and cook the spaghetti for about 8 to 10 minutes until tender. “Try the noodles” is recommended, so be sure to eat some along the way if you get sick of your appetite. Boiling water + salt = perfect pasta.
What makes this pasta with shrimp recipe perfect for summer entertainment?
I created this spaghetti with shrimp recipe with the Mediterranean Diet, because it features exactly the nutritious and delicious ingredients on which this diet is built. This special recipe is also perfect for summer entertainment. It’s light but very satisfying, and feels a bit elevated even though it’s 20 minutes together. It’s one of those “put it in the center of the table and watch your friends join” type of dinner, served family style with a nice bottle of 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.
