Saturday, March 7, 2009

FESTA ITALIANA

Marie of Proud Italian Cook (http://www.prouditaliancook.blogspot.com/) and Maryann of Finding La Dolce Vita (http://www.findingladolcevita.blogspot.com/) sure know how to give a party. I was excited to learn about their second Festa Italiana and have enjoyed reading about all the wonderful dishes that my fellow foodies have contributed.

I've been on a pasta kick lately, a healthy pasta kick, and decided to contribute last night's dinner--Shrimp and White Beans with Garlic Spinach over Fettuccine. Yes, this IS healthy eating. I played around with a recipe I found in Weight Watchers' Dining for Two. I increased the amount of beans and garlic, added the garlic spinach, and, okay, shoot me, increased the amount of pasta. Really 2 ounces of pasta for 2 people is a little much...or, a little little.

The dish went together quickly and was quite filling. Because it already contained spinach, it didn't even require a salad. A crisp white Pinot Grigio would not be unwelcome, however.


Serves 2
4 oz fettuccine
1 tbs olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, sliced thinly
1/4 cup dry, white wine
1 - 15 oz can small white beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 lb peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp
2/3 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 pkg cleaned baby spinach

Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and keep warm.
Heat the oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, 3-5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook another 2-3 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Cook until the wine is reduced by half.

Stir in the beans, shrimp, broth, and basil. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until shrimp are opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and top with the shrimp mixture. Toss to mix and serve at once.
Now, back to that party....be sure to check out Marie and Maryann's sites for other great festa dishes.

7 comments:

  1. oh wow you need to come here and cook for me. Love love Shrimp

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks tasty. I hardly ever think to buy shrimp while at the store. To me meat=chicken. My husband is grateful I've started picking up red meat more, but I still forget about his much loved shrimp.
    I'm still trying to work on the healthier dinners too, but those delicious desserts keep hijacking my diet!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks delicious Arlene! I love all the ingredients, especially the shrimp.

    My husband and I are going to be joining Weight Watchers soon -- as we'd like to lose some weight for the summer. I'll remember to make this recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Arlene Sorry I haven't stopped by in a while, I miss you and your posts, I miss all of my foodie friends. But I must say, I love all things pasta. I even settle for plain old spaghetti with some olive oil and a little kosher salt. Your recipe does sound very healthy. I'll give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This looks delicious! Love the combination of flavors!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I LOVE this dish! Thanks so much for joining the festa!
    Maryann xox

    ReplyDelete
  7. Arlene, Your healthy pasta will be a great addition to our festa! I'm sure it will be a big hit. thanks for joining us!
    xox, Marie

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting The Food of Love. I know it takes time to make a comment, but please know that they are very much appreciated.