Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Roasted Shrimp and Vegetable Penne?
It is a festive, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp marinated in white wine, roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus and squash, and finished with Parmesan and flaxseed oil.
What size shrimp should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of large raw shrimp that have been washed and deveined.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should marinate in the refrigerator for approximately one hour to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
What are the ingredients in the shrimp marinade?
The marinade consists of white wine, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and minced garlic.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
This recipe uses yellow squash, asparagus spears, and cherry tomatoes.
How should I prepare the yellow squash?
The yellow squash should be cut into small cubes before roasting.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
The asparagus spears should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
Yes, the penne pasta should be cooked in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
What oven setting is used for the vegetables and shrimp?
The recipe uses the broil setting on your oven for both the vegetables and the shrimp.
How long do the vegetables need to broil alone?
The vegetables should be broiled on the middle rack for 5 minutes until they start to soften before adding the shrimp.
How long do I cook the shrimp in the oven?
Once added to the vegetable pan, the shrimp should broil for an additional 3 minutes.
How can I tell when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and become opaque.
What kind of oil is used for roasting the vegetables?
The vegetables are tossed in 3 tablespoons of olive oil before being placed in the oven.
What is the purpose of flaxseed oil in this recipe?
One tablespoon of flaxseed oil is drizzled over the final dish to add a nutritional boost and a subtle nutty flavor.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The grated Parmesan cheese is added at the end when combining the cooked pasta with the broiled shrimp and vegetables.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While the recipe specifies penne, you can substitute it with other short pasta shapes like rotini or bow ties.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of minced garlic, which provides a strong aromatic base for the shrimp.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes used in the marinade.
How do I garnish the dish?
The finished pasta is garnished with four fresh basil leaves for added color and flavor.
Should the cherry tomatoes be cut?
No, the recipe suggests using 12 whole cherry tomatoes in the roasting pan.
What is the total amount of pasta needed?
You will need 12 ounces of penne pasta.
Do I need to season the vegetables?
Yes, the vegetables should be seasoned with black pepper and olive oil before roasting.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed, washed, and deveined before starting the marinating process.
Is white wine necessary?
The white wine is used for marinating the shrimp to provide a bright, Mediterranean flavor profile.
How do I combine the ingredients at the end?
In a large serving bowl, gently toss the cooked penne, broiled shrimp, and vegetables with flaxseed oil and Parmesan cheese.
Can I substitute the flaxseed oil?
If you do not have flaxseed oil, you can use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil as a finishing oil.
How many asparagus spears are used?
The recipe suggests using between 12 and 15 asparagus spears.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served immediately while it is still hot.
What kind of white wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best for Mediterranean cooking.
Can I add more Parmesan cheese?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 4 tablespoons, you can adjust the amount of grated Parmesan to your personal preference.