Pasta with Garlicky Shrimp and Wilted Greens

This fast, easy single-dish meal recipe is provided in a range of measurements depending on how many are served, and personal preference for specific ingredients.  As with coming recipes, many of the listed ingredients can be purchased at the CFM.

Total prep and cook time, depending on how many people help: about 25 to 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 12 oz to 1 lb pasta -- angel hair, linguini, farfel, rotini or any other favorite type of pasta 

• 1.5 to 2 lbs shrimp -- any medium to large, cleaned, peeled and deveined and pat dry, seasoned lightly with sea salt and pepper  

• 6-8 cloves garlic -- mashed/chopped fine

• 4-5 tbs extra virgin olive oil 

• 1 bunch greens that can easily wilt and cook relatively fast, such as spinach or mizuna (recommended), etc. -- stalks and leaves cut into 2 inch lengths, triple washed

• 3/4 to 1 cup white wine or pasta water if omitting alcohol

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Grated parmesan cheese

1. Boil pasta in salted water in pasta or stock pot, according to instructions. Drain when al dente or cooked to desired tenderness.

2. Heat olive oil in large pan or large dutch oven. Note: You can begin this while pasta is being boiled to allow 3-4 minutes cooking time before you have to drain the pasta.

3. Add garlic and stir until lightly golden and fragrant.

4. Add shrimp to garlic and oil and stir until just about turning pink.

5. Add greens and mix well. If spinach, add after adding white wine. 

6. Add white wine and boil away alcohol. If sauce dries/evaporates too quickly, add about 1/2 cup pasta water.

7. Add drained cooked pasta after veggies are just about cooked and mix well quickly.

8. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese. 

Optional: squeeze fresh lemon juice for an additional layer of tartness.

Leftovers can be kept for 1-2 days in time for shrimp to be consumed while still fresh.

Be creative! Thin sliced chicken can be used in place of the shrimp. Try using peas, asparagus or broccoli (blanched for 2 minutes and drained prior to adding to main dish).

Vegetarian option: Use wilted greens, peas, broccoli or asparagus. Carrots, cubed or sliced, should be boiled for 3-4 minutes prior to adding to main dish.  Increase amount of grated parmesan cheese.  A fried egg on top of each plate makes it a complete meal.