Penne with Spinach, Shrimp, Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

December 2, 2008 in Recipes by danky

This attractive and flavorful main course is perfect for weeknight entertaining.

Makes 6 servings.

INGREDIENTS

12ounces penne pasta2tablespoons olive oil

1pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined

3garlic cloves, minced

5large plum tomatoes, cut into thin wedges

6tablespoons chopped freshbasil

3tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2teaspoons grated lemon peel6cups (packed) baby spinach leaves (about 6 ounces)

DIRECTIONS

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Ladle 1 cup pasta cooking liquid into small bowl and reserve. Drain pasta. Return pasta to pot; cover to keep hot.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp and garlic to skillet and sauté 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, 4 tablespoons basil, lemon juice and lemon peel and sauté until shrimp are cooked through, about 3 minutes.

Add spinach leaves to hot pasta; toss until spinach wilts. Add shrimp mixture and toss to blend. Add enough of reserved pasta cooking liquid to moisten. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to bowl.

Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons basil and serve.