There is pretty much always a package of spaghetti noodles floating around in my pantry, full of potential, and eager to be used. For a novel take on the spaghetti dinner this recipe includes shrimp marinated in toasted sesame oil, ginger, and aromatics, which then becomes a light but flavorful sauce for the cooked pasta. That is paired with some smoky charred broccoli, for a seafood pasta dinner that is both interesting and easy to make.
Servings 2
Prep Time 10 minutesmins
Cook Time 15 minutesmins
Total Time 25 minutesmins
Ingredients
2tbsptoasted sesame oil
1limejuiced
1 1-inch piecegingerwashed and finely grated
3clovesgarlicminced or finely grated
1green onionthinly sliced, white/light-green and green parts separated
Salt and Pepper
8ozshrimppeeled and deveined
2tbspneutral oil such as canola
1head(~9 oz) broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
8ozspaghetti
1tbspbutter
1tbspsesame seeds
Red pepper flakesoptional
Instructions
In a medium bowl whisk together toasted sesame oil, lime juice, ginger, garlic, light green and white part of green onion (reserve the rest for garnish), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Set aside.
Heat a large pot of salted water over high heat. When water boils add pasta and cook per package directions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain and return to pot.
While noodles are boiling heat neutral oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and a pinch of salt and pepper and toss to coat in oil. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, then cook an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and charred in places. Transfer to the pot with drained pasta. Add shrimp with marinade and 1/4 cup of pasta water to the skillet and cook 1-2 minutes per side until shrimp is pink. Remove from heat and stir in butter until fully melted.
Add shrimp with sauce and sesame seeds to pasta and toss everything together. Add more pasta water as needed if the noodles seem dry. Divide amongst plates or bowls and sprinkle with remaining green onion and red pepper flakes if using.