Mediterranean Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
This Mediterranean Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish featuring tender shrimp and juicy chicken breast, simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce, served over a bed of delicate angel hair pasta. Inspired by a cherished family recipe, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Pair it with a fresh side salad and warm garlic bread for a complete dining experience that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb (medium or large)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
onion
1 medium (diced)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (minced or 4 teaspoons dried)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can
chicken broth
1/3 cup
salt
1/2 teaspoon
ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
dried basil
1-2 teaspoons
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
angel hair pasta
8 ounces
grated Parmesan cheese
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are fragrant and tender, stirring occasionally.
3
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked onion and garlic to a small bowl. Set aside.
4
In the remaining drippings in the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken and cook until they are slightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
5
Once the chicken is browned, return the sautéed onion and garlic to the skillet. Add the parsley, tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, cayenne pepper, basil, black pepper, and 1/4 cup of water (or white wine for added depth). Stir to combine.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
After 10 minutes, add the shrimp to the skillet, cover, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until both the chicken and shrimp are tender and fully cooked.
8
Once cooked, remove from heat and spoon the mixture into individual serving bowls.
9
Serve over a nest of angel hair pasta and garnish with the remaining parsley.
10
For an extra touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Shrimp and Chicken Pasta?
It is a savory dish featuring tender shrimp and chicken breast simmered in a tomato and herb sauce, served over angel hair pasta.
What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Use one pound of raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined, preferably medium or large in size.
How should the chicken be prepared?
Use four boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of angel hair pasta for its delicate texture.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/4 cup of water with white wine to add extra depth to the flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper, providing a mild heat that complements the Mediterranean flavors.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Mediterranean pasta recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What kind of tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires one 8-ounce can of standard tomato sauce.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, for the parsley, you can use 4 teaspoons of dried parsley instead of 1/4 cup of fresh minced parsley.
What is the first step in cooking the sauce?
The first step is to sauté minced garlic and diced onion in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
Why do I need to remove the onion and garlic from the pan?
They are removed temporarily using a slotted spoon so that the chicken can be browned in the remaining oil without burning the aromatics.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The bite-sized chicken pieces should be cooked for about 6-8 minutes until they are slightly browned.
When do I add the shrimp?
Shrimp should be added after the chicken and sauce have simmered together for 10 minutes.
How long do the shrimp and chicken cook together?
After adding the shrimp, cover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until both proteins are fully cooked.
What should I serve as a side dish?
A fresh side salad and warm garlic bread are recommended for a complete dining experience.
What kind of cheese is used for garnish?
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to taste.
What spices are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, cayenne pepper, dried basil, and black pepper.
What size skillet is needed?
A large 12-inch skillet is recommended to accommodate all the ingredients.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
While chicken broth adds flavor, you could use vegetable broth or water in a pinch.
How do I know when the shrimp is done?
The shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes about 5 minutes of simmering.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with a total simmering time of about 15 minutes and quick-cooking angel hair pasta, it is perfect for weeknights.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed, peeled, and deveined before adding them to the skillet.
What oil is best for this dish?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to provide an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
Should the pasta be cooked in the sauce?
No, the pasta should be cooked separately and the chicken and shrimp mixture should be spooned over it.
Can I use more garlic?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves, but you can add more if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
Is the onion diced or sliced?
The recipe specifies using one medium onion that has been diced.
What does the chicken broth do for the recipe?
The 1/3 cup of chicken broth provides the base for the sauce and keeps the chicken moist while simmering.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs can be substituted, though they may require a slightly longer browning time.
How do I garnish the final dish?
Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, the combination of shrimp and chicken in a rich herb sauce makes it elegant enough for guests.