Orecchiette with Shrimp, Fennel and Arugula

The multiple pasta dishes and their shapes are too many to count. I’ve adapted this recipe for orecchiette with shrimp, fennel and arugula from a book titled The Southern Italian Kitchen.  I found this gem of a book in an odds and ends shop, the kind my husband likes to drag me to  every now and them. While he was busy looking for tools and other “boring” items, I hung around the book section. The book mentioned above was one of my finds.

This awesome recipe is one of those that you can make in about 30 minutes. BONUS!!! You can definitely add this delicious recipe to your “busy weeknight” menu arsenal. The region of Calabria is where orecchiette with shrimp, fennel and arugula comes from. This is a region located  smack in the “toe of the boot” that is Italy’s geographical shape. Seafood is an integral part of the cuisine of this area because it is bordered by an ample coastline.

The word orecchiette means little ear. I love how the Italians name their pastas. Italian cuisine is regional, and uses not only fresh, but also very seasonal ingredients. It’s really the best way to eat. Fennel is also used in many of the regional cuisines of  India, Afghanistan, and Iran. It can also be used as a digestive, and a breath freshener given  its sweet taste.

Fennel originated in the Mediterranean basin.  It was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Anglo-Saxons considered it sacred. And, in Colonial America it was hung in homes to perfume homes after a long winter and d left the house stuffy, and rather smelly.

Shrimp, fennel and arugula create a beautiful flavor profile. The sweetness of the shrimp, alongside the peppery taste of arugula, and the fragrance of fennel make for a true feast for your taste buds.

I was at a party a few months ago and somehow arugula came into the conversation. Don’t ask me how. The guy I was talking to said that growing up his Italian relatives considered arugula a weed. A WEED!!  I found that amusing because today arugula is such a popular ingredient in so many different foods. We both had a good laugh over it.

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Orecchiette with Shrimp, Fennel and Arugula

Orecchiette with shrimp, fennel and arugula brings bright fresh flavors in a 30 minute meal!  Tasty shrimp, savory fennel and tangy arugula are a great flavor combination.  You will love this quick and easy dish for a weeknight meal. 

Course Main dish

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 193 kcal

Author Analida

Ingredients

• 8 oz orecchiette
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2--3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 Roma tomatoes cored and diced
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 1 Tbsp lemon fresh squeezed juice
• 10 oz shrimp medium sized
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp fennel seeds crushed fine
• 1 dash nutmeg
• 1/2 cup arugula
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup Pecorino
• 2 Tbsp . parsley finely chopped

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to the package instructions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, in a braising pan heat the olive oil on medium. Saute the garlic. Stir in the tomato, wine and lemon juice. Reduce the liquid to half. Add in the shrimp, salt, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and nutmeg. Toss in the orecchiette and the arugula, and finally sprinkle in the lemon zest and the Pecorino. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Orecchiette with Shrimp, Fennel and Arugula

Amount Per Serving

Calories 193 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 3g 5%

Saturated Fat 0g 0%

Cholesterol 92mg 31%

Sodium 464mg 19%

Potassium 154mg 4%

Total Carbohydrates 23g 8%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 1g

Protein 12g 24%

Vitamin A 5.4%

Vitamin C 8.7%

Calcium 10.2%

Iron 7.5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.