Shrimp Paesano Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

21 Jun, 2023

Shrimp Paesano is a mouth-watering Italian-inspired dish made with succulent shrimp, garlic, white wine, and red pepper flakes, served over a bed of perfectly cooked linguine pasta. Our easy-to-follow recipe and cooking tips will help you prepare this dish in no time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Shrimp Paesano

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: Italian
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 360 calories

About this recipe

Shrimp Paesano is a mouthwatering Italian dish that is known for its succulent shrimp, spicy tomato-based sauce, and aromatic herbs. This dish has its roots in southern Italy, specifically in the region of Calabria.

To make this dish, large shrimp are first peeled and deveined, then coated in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. The shrimp are then pan-fried until golden brown, giving them a crispy exterior and a tender and juicy interior.

The sauce for Shrimp Paesano is made with a mixture of onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, which are sautéed until tender. Diced tomatoes, white wine, oregano, and red pepper flakes are added to the skillet and cooked until the flavors have melded together. The shrimp are then added back into the skillet to simmer in the sauce, which helps to infuse them with the delicious flavors of the sauce.

To finish the dish, chopped fresh parsley is stirred into the sauce for a bright and fresh flavor, and the dish is served over cooked pasta.

The lemon wedges on the side are perfect for squeezing over the top, adding a refreshing tanginess that balances out the spicy and savory flavors of the dish.

Shrimp Paesano is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for seafood lovers or anyone looking to spice up their pasta dishes. With its bold and vibrant flavors, it's no wonder that this dish has become a favorite in Italian cuisine and beyond.

Shrimp Paesano recipe origin and background

Shrimp Paesano is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the southern region of Calabria. The dish is named after the Italian word "paese," which means "village," and is traditionally served in small, family-owned restaurants in the region.

Calabria is a region in southern Italy that is known for its rich culinary history and traditional recipes. The region is situated between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea, making it a prime location for seafood dishes like Shrimp Paesano.

The dish is made with simple ingredients that are commonly found in Italian cuisine, such as tomatoes, garlic, onion, and oregano. The use of fresh herbs and spices is also a common theme in Calabrian cuisine, which helps to create a flavorful and aromatic dish.

Shrimp Paesano is a dish that is steeped in tradition and has been passed down through generations of families in Calabria. It's a dish that is often prepared for special occasions or family gatherings, and the recipe is often a closely guarded secret.

Today, Shrimp Paesano has gained popularity outside of Calabria and can be found in Italian restaurants throughout the world. Despite its growing popularity, the dish remains true to its roots and continues to be a beloved and iconic dish in Italian cuisine.

Why make this recipe?

If you're a seafood lover, or simply enjoy trying new and delicious recipes, you should definitely give Shrimp Paesano a try! Here are some reasons why:

Flavorful and Spicy: Shrimp Paesano is a dish that packs a punch in terms of flavor. The spicy tomato-based sauce is a perfect match for the succulent and crispy shrimp. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delicious and satisfying experience for your taste buds.
Easy to Make: This recipe is easy to make, and you don't need any special cooking skills to prepare it. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have this dish on your table in less than an hour.
Versatile: Shrimp Paesano is a versatile dish that you can serve as a main course for dinner, or as an appetizer for a party or gathering. You can also customize the dish to your liking by adjusting the amount of spice or adding your favorite ingredients.
Healthy and Nutritious: Shrimp is a great source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium. Tomatoes, red bell pepper, and garlic are also packed with antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With its bold and vibrant flavors, it's a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Shrimp Paesano is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress. With its spicy tomato sauce, succulent shrimp, and fresh herbs, it's a perfect dish for seafood lovers or anyone looking for a new and exciting recipe to add to their repertoire.

What does Shrimp Paesano taste like?

Shrimp Paesano is a dish that offers a dynamic and bold flavor profile. The shrimp is crispy and succulent, while the sauce is spicy and tangy with a touch of sweetness. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delicious and satisfying experience for the taste buds.

The tomato-based sauce is the star of this dish, which is made with a combination of sautéed onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. The diced tomatoes and white wine help to create a savory and slightly acidic base that is perfectly balanced with the addition of dried oregano and red pepper flakes. The fresh parsley adds a bright and fresh note to the dish.

The shrimp, which are coated in flour and pan-fried, add a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the sauce. The lemon wedges on the side add a bright and refreshing tanginess that balances out the spicy and savory notes of the dish.

Shrimp Paesano is a dish that offers a complex and well-rounded flavor experience. It's spicy, tangy, slightly sweet, and savory all at once. The crispy shrimp, savory tomato sauce, and fresh parsley create a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

What is in Shrimp Paesano?

Shrimp: You will need 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Shrimp is the star ingredient in this dish, providing a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the sauce.
All-purpose Flour: You will need 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to coat the shrimp before frying. This helps to create a crispy exterior and adds a slight crunch to the dish.
Olive Oil: You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Olive oil is a staple in Italian cuisine and adds a rich and flavorful base to the dish.
Onion and Garlic: You will need 1 medium onion and 3 cloves of garlic, both finely chopped. These ingredients provide a savory and aromatic base for the tomato-based sauce.
Red Bell Pepper: You will need 1 red bell pepper, diced. The red bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness to the dish and complements the other flavors.
Diced Tomatoes: You will need 1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained. This helps to create a flavorful and slightly acidic base for the sauce.
White Wine: You will need 1/2 cup of dry white wine. This helps to deglaze the pan and add a slightly acidic note to the sauce.
Dried Oregano and Red Pepper Flakes: You will need 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. These spices add a savory and slightly spicy note to the dish.
Fresh Parsley: You will need 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped. This adds a bright and fresh note to the dish and helps to balance out the spicy and savory flavors.
Lemon Wedges: You will need lemon wedges on the side, to add a tangy and refreshing note to the dish.

Equipment required for this recipe

Large Skillet or Frying Pan: You will need a large skillet or frying pan to cook the shrimp and sauce. A non-stick pan is recommended to prevent the shrimp from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Possible Substitute: If you don't have a large skillet or frying pan, you can use a wok or a Dutch oven as a substitute.
Cutting Board and Knife: You will need a cutting board and knife to chop the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper.
Possible Substitute: If you don't have a cutting board or knife, you can use a plate and a sharp knife as a substitute.
Mixing Bowl: You will need a mixing bowl to coat the shrimp in flour before frying.
Possible Substitute: If you don't have a mixing bowl, you can use a large resealable plastic bag to coat the shrimp in flour.
Tongs: You will need tongs to flip the shrimp while they're frying.
Possible Substitute: If you don't have tongs, you can use a fork or a slotted spoon to flip the shrimp.
Spatula: You will need a spatula to stir the sauce while it's cooking.
Possible Substitute: If you don't have a spatula, you can use a wooden spoon as a substitute.
Serving Dish: You will need a serving dish to plate the Shrimp Paesano.
Possible Substitute: If you don't have a serving dish, you can use a large plate or a shallow bowl as a substitute.

How to make Shrimp Paesano

Looking for an easy Shrimp Paesano recipe? Our flavorful Italian-inspired dish with succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta is a must-try!

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Cooked pasta for serving

Instructions

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture and shake off any excess.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes, white wine, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through.
Stir in the chopped parsley and remove the skillet from the heat.
Serve the shrimp and sauce over cooked pasta, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

How to serve Shrimp Paesano

Transfer the Shrimp Paesano to a serving dish: Use a spatula or slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish. Be sure to scrape any remaining sauce from the pan and add it to the serving dish.
Garnish with fresh parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top of the shrimp and sauce. This adds a fresh and bright note to the dish.
Serve with lemon wedges: Serve the Shrimp Paesano with lemon wedges on the side. This allows your guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, which adds a tangy and refreshing note to the dish.
Optional: Serve with pasta or crusty bread: Shrimp Paesano is traditionally served as a standalone dish, but you can also serve it with pasta or crusty bread to make it a more substantial meal.
Enjoy! Serve the Shrimp Paesano immediately, while it's still hot and the flavors are at their peak.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 538 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Shrimp Paesano, Shrimp Paesano Recipe, Recipe, Top rated

What to serve Shrimp Paesano with

Shrimp Paesano is a flavorful and hearty dish that can be served on its own, but if you want to pair it with some side dishes, here are some suggestions:

Crusty bread: Serve Shrimp Paesano with a crusty bread like a baguette or Italian bread. This will help to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pasta: Shrimp Paesano can be served over pasta like linguine, spaghetti or fettuccine. The pasta can be tossed with olive oil or butter and garlic for extra flavor.
Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great side dish to balance the rich flavors of the Shrimp Paesano.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini are a great side dish for Shrimp Paesano. You can toss the vegetables with olive oil and garlic before roasting for extra flavor.
Rice: Serve Shrimp Paesano with rice like jasmine or basmati rice. You can add some chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro to the rice for extra flavor.

My recommendations and tips

Use fresh ingredients: To get the best flavor out of your Shrimp Paesano, it's important to use fresh ingredients, especially the shrimp. Make sure the shrimp are fresh and deveined.
Don't overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Keep a close eye on the shrimp while they're cooking and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick pan will help prevent the shrimp from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. If you don't have a non-stick pan, make sure to use enough oil to prevent sticking.
Be careful when adding the wine: When adding the wine to the pan, be careful not to let it splash onto the hot pan. This can cause a flare-up and can be dangerous.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp and adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.
Serve immediately: Shrimp Paesano is best served immediately while the shrimp are still hot and the sauce is at its peak flavor.

How to store Shrimp Paesano

Let it cool: Allow the Shrimp Paesano to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
Transfer to an airtight container: Transfer the Shrimp Paesano to an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that is the appropriate size for the amount of leftovers you have.
Store in the refrigerator: Store the container with the Shrimp Paesano in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat before serving: To reheat the Shrimp Paesano, transfer it to a non-stick skillet and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave on a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally.
Optional: Add fresh garnishes: Add fresh chopped parsley or lemon wedges to the Shrimp Paesano before serving to give it a fresh flavor.

Potential ingredients substitutes

Shrimp: If you don't eat seafood or if you want to make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the shrimp with cubed firm tofu, seitan, or sliced mushrooms.
White Wine: If you don't have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth. If you prefer a slightly tangy taste, you can add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the broth.
Butter: You can substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Red pepper flakes: If you don't have red pepper flakes, you can substitute them with paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder.
Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder. However, fresh garlic adds more flavor to the dish.
Parsley: If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley or substitute it with cilantro or basil.

What more should you know?

Here are a few additional things you might want to know about the Shrimp Paesano recipe:

Shrimp Size: The recipe calls for large shrimp, but you can use medium or jumbo shrimp if that's what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Pasta: Linguine is the preferred pasta for this recipe, but you can also use spaghetti or fettuccine if you prefer. You can also use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Serving Size: The recipe makes four servings, but you can easily adjust the ingredients to make more or fewer servings, depending on your needs.
Flavor Variations: You can add different vegetables to the recipe, such as sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, to give it more flavor and color. You can also use different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to enhance the dish's flavor.
Wine Pairing: Shrimp Paesano pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Remarks

In conclusion, Shrimp Paesano is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.

With its flavorful and fragrant sauce, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, it's sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is simple and straightforward, and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with this mouth-watering dish? We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Shrimp Paesano recipe as much as we do!