Dinner Tonight: Baked Shrimp and Feta Pasta
[Photograph: Nick Kindelsperger]
I was looking for a baked pasta, which can be a recipe for disaster. Any luck I've had with baked pasta has been by subverting the original procedures in the hope of making something lighter (such as this baked ziti recipe). But it was cold outside, and I really wanted something that would be warming and relatively easy to throw together for a dinner party.
At some point I went from bland and cheesy versions of baked manicotti to this recipe from Closet Cooking. The use of orzo, fresh herbs, shrimp, and feta cheese, really jumped out at me because it didn't seem needlessly heavy. It actually looked balanced.
This is actually a spin on a Greek dish called Garides Saganaki, which certainly explains the use of feta instead of something like mozzarella. I also love the orzo. It provides a great contrast to the sauce, which is bright and fresh, thanks to a healthy sprinkling of herbs and just enough red pepper flakes to provide that warming hum of spice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup orzo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 scallions, green parts only, sliced
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deviened
- 1/2 cup feta, crumbled
- Salt and pepper
Procedures
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1
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to the directions on the box until al dente. When done, drain in a colander and set aside.
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2
Meanwhile, pour the oil into a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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3
Pour in the white wine, tomato, and the oregano. Stir well, and bring mixture to a simmer. Cook for five minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley and scallions.
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4
Combine the cooked orzo, sauce, and shrimp in a baking dish. Sprinkle on the crumbled feta cheese. Place in the preheated oven. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp have cooked.
6 comments:
hey there, we talking dried or fresh oregano? looks super good.
cookienomnom at 5:48PM on 11/16/09
I just used dried oregano, but fresh would definitely work.
Nick Kindelsperger at 5:51PM on 11/16/09
In my experience, baking makes most pastas better! The tube shape protects a gooey center of creamier sauces, but I just love the crispy crackly bits, especially the corners of the baking dish.
malecki at 5:53PM on 11/16/09
Sounds good. I make a similar dish (http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/baked_shrimp_in_tomato_feta_sauce/) quite often. It's always a hit.
Usually serve it over a tubed shaped pasta (rotini seems to work best for maximum sauce-catching). I like the idea of trying it over orzo, though.
I've been going shrimp crazy. Trader Joe's has had a great deal on very very 'fresh' tasting IQF Mexican white shrimp. 4.99 a pound. They come with shell and vein, so it takes a little more work, but the quality can't be beat for the price.
grebletie at 3:05AM on 11/17/09
I think I want to make this tonight! What size baking dish? Also, would I have to make any changes to the cooking time if I double the recipe?
Amandarama at 7:36AM on 11/17/09
I like it, but I am not the biggest fan of oregano with the obvious exception of pizza. I think I am gonna replace it with some basil :)
Grilled Shrimp at 9:24AM on 02/19/10