Pasta with Shrimp, Spinach, and Saffron

Here is a delicious Italian recipe that pairs shrimp with spinach and saffron, to create a dish rich in flavors but delicate at the same time.

Ingredients

• 320 g of pasta (penne or spaghetti work well)
• 200 g of peeled and cleaned shrimp
• 150 g of fresh spinach (or a handful if using baby spinach)
• 1 sachet of powdered saffron or a few threads
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 100 ml of cooking cream (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dry white wine, one glass
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil and add the garlic cloves, letting them brown. Once browned, remove them.

3. Add the shrimp to the same skillet and sauté for a few minutes over high heat. Deglaze with white wine and let it evaporate.

4. Add the spinach and let them wilt with the shrimp. If using saffron threads, soak them in a bit of warm water for a few minutes; otherwise, you can add the sachet of powdered saffron directly.

5. If you want a creamier sauce, now is the time to add the cooking cream; otherwise, you can continue without.

6. Drain the pasta al dente and transfer it to the skillet with the shrimp and spinach. Toss everything together over high heat to blend the flavors well.

7. Adjust with salt and pepper and, if desired, add chopped parsley for garnish.

8. Serve hot and, if you like, add a sprinkle of grated cheese, although it is not traditional in Italian cuisine to add it to seafood dishes.

Fun Facts

Saffron, a precious and sought-after spice, is known not only for its distinctive aroma but also for its numerous beneficial properties. Used in this recipe, it gives the dish a characteristic yellow color and a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the shrimp and the freshness of the spinach.