Indulge in the flavors of the sea with this easy-to-make shrimp and leeks pasta recipe. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Shrimp is a great source of protein, while leeks are loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, vitamin C, and iron.
The dish is also low in calories and fiber, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
In addition to its health benefits, this recipe is also very versatile.
You can swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu, or add in your favorite veggies like spinach or bell peppers. This makes it easy to customize the recipe to your liking and keep things interesting.
So next time you’re in need of a quick and healthy dinner option, give this shrimp and leeks pasta recipe a try. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Cooking Time
- Cooking: 15 minutes
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Servings
- 4 servings
Ingredients
- 7 oz. linguine pasta
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 leek, only white and light green parts, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup white wine
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lime zest, to taste
How to make a Shrimp and Leek Pasta
- Cook the linguine pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Reserve some of the cooking water
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the white wine and let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens about 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink for about 3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Add the cooking water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with fresh lime or lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
You can customize this recipe by swapping out the shrimp for chicken or tofu, or by adding in your favorite veggies.
What to serve with
There are many delicious Italian dishes to serve along with flank steak rolls. You can serve Shrimp and Leeks Pasta with:
Storage
Store in an airtight container: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container with a lid. A plastic or glass container works well.
- Stays well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Not suitable for home freezing.
FAQs
What can I do with dark green part of leeks?
The dark green part of leeks is often tougher and less flavorful than the white and light green parts, but that doesn’t mean it should be discarded. Here are some ways you can use the dark green part of leeks:
- Homemade stock: The dark green part of leeks, along with other vegetable scraps, can be used to make a flavorful vegetable stock. Simply simmer in water with some herbs and spices for a few hours, then strain and store the stock in the fridge or freezer for later use.
- Pesto: You can also use the dark green part of leeks to make a delicious pesto. Simply blend it with some garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Use it as a sauce for pasta, or as a spread on bread or crackers.
- Garnish: If you’re making a dish that calls for sliced leeks as a garnish, use the dark green part to add some color and texture to your dish. Simply slice it thinly and sprinkle it on top of your dish.
What are the health benefits of eating leeks?
Here are some health benefits of eating leeks:
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Leeks are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and iron, among other nutrients. These vitamins and minerals are essential for a healthy immune system, blood clotting, and overall health.
- May help with weight loss: Leeks are low in calories and high in fiber, which makes them a great food to include in a weight loss diet. The fiber in leeks helps you feel full for longer, which can help you eat less overall.
- May promote healthy skin: The vitamin C and other antioxidants in leeks may help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging and other skin problems.
Can you add cooked shrimp to pasta?
Yes, cooked shrimp can be a delicious addition to pasta dishes. Shrimp can be added to pasta in many different ways, such as mixing them into the pasta itself or using them as a topping.
One simple way to add shrimp to pasta is to cook them separately and then toss them with the cooked pasta, along with some olive oil, garlic, and other seasonings.
When adding shrimp to pasta, it’s important not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes only a few minutes.
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Shrimp and Leeks Pasta
Ingredients
- 7 oz linguine pasta or any other long pasta like spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 leek, only white and light green parts sliced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- lime or lemon zests optional, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the linguine pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Reserve some of the cooking water.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink for about 3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, parmesan and the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Add some pasta cooking water if the sauce is too thick.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with fresh lime or lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese.
