Recipe: Spaghetti Spezzati Con Gamberi (Broken Spaghetti with Shrimp)

SPAGHETTI SPEZZATI CON GAMBERI
(BROKEN SPAGHETTI WITH SHRIMP)

1 teaspoon (or more) dried hot red-pepper flakes
1 large garlic clove, peeled
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
zest and juice of 1 lemon
salt to taste
1 pound frozen medium-sized cooked shrimp, defrosted
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup frozen chopped broccoli or spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 pound spaghetti or other long pasta, broken in half
1/4 cup reserved cooking water
coarse black pepper to taste

Mince the red-pepper flakes, garlic, parsley and mint together. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the zest and lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Toss the shrimp in the mixture and allow it to stand for 5 minutes.

Heat olive oil in a saute pan. When the oil is hot, stir in the shrimp and cook 2 minutes. Stir in the broccoli or spinach and cook 1 minute more.

Stir in the tomatoes and cook 1 minute longer. Keep the mixture warm.

Cook the spaghetti. After draining the spaghetti, add it to the shrimp along with the reserved water and reheat quickly, until everything is hot. Correct the seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve.

Servings: 8
Source: Ciao Italia Pronto! by Mary Ann Esposito