Description
Spaghetti with Shrimp and Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
For the spaghetti:
300 g spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, for boiling water
For the meat sauce:
250 g ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the shrimp:
200 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt and pepper
Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened.
Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and paprika.
Stir in tomato paste and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
4. Combine and Serve:
Plate the cooked spaghetti and top with meat sauce. Arrange cooked shrimp on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by preparing all ingredients before heating any pans. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your dried spices. For the shrimp, ensure they are fully peeled and deveined. Start boiling a large pot of salted water for the spaghetti. The key is to time the pasta to finish as your sauces are nearly ready. Cook the meat sauce first, as it needs the longest simmering time. While it simmers, cook the spaghetti. Finally, quickly sauté the shrimp just before serving to ensure they remain tender and juicy, not rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish stands well on its own but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. For a wine pairing, choose a medium-bodied red like a Chianti or a crisp white such as Pinot Grigio. To present, twirl portions of spaghetti onto each plate using tongs, ladle the meat sauce over the center, and artfully arrange the shrimp on top before garnishing.
How-to Summary
To make Spaghetti with Shrimp and Meat Sauce: 1) Boil and drain spaghetti. 2) Sauté onion and garlic, then brown ground beef with herbs. 3) Simmer the beef with tomato sauce and paste. 4) In a separate pan, sauté shrimp with butter, garlic powder, and lemon juice. 5) Combine by plating spaghetti, topping with meat sauce, and finishing with the cooked shrimp and fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey, pork, or a plant-based meat alternative work well. Adjust cooking times as needed.
How can I prevent the shrimp from becoming tough? Avoid overcooking. Shrimp cook quickly; they are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. The meat sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance and reheated, which often deepens the flavors. Cook the shrimp fresh.
What if I don’t have tomato paste? You can omit it, but the sauce will be less rich and concentrated. A small extra spoonful of tomato sauce can help, though the result will be thinner.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while sautéing the onions, or use a spicy Italian sausage blend instead of plain ground beef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid boiling the spaghetti until it is mushy; always aim for al dente. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp, as this steams them instead of sautéing, leading to a lack of flavor and poor texture. Never add raw shrimp directly into the meat sauce, as they will overcook and release too much liquid, thinning your sauce. Finally, do not skip seasoning each component—the pasta water, the meat, and the shrimp—for a well-layered final flavor.
Conclusion
This Spaghetti with Shrimp and Meat Sauce recipe combines the comforting heartiness of a classic Bolognese-style sauce with the elegant, quick-cooking appeal of shrimp. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that is both impressive and deeply satisfying. The balance of rich meat, sweet seafood, and aromatic herbs makes this a versatile dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the process and the delicious results.