Marcella Hazzan Shrimp recipe is a classic example of Italian simplicity at its finest. Known for her iconic cookbooks and ability to refine Italian cuisine for the American home cook, Marcella Hazzan turned her love for fresh ingredients into recipes that are both timeless and approachable. This blog will take you through the story behind her beloved shrimp marinara and how you can recreate and riff on this dish in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or someone just looking for a quick weeknight recipe, read on for the ultimate guide to mastering shrimp marinara in various styles.
The Story Behind Marcella Hazzan Shrimp Recipe
Marcella Hazzan Shrimp, often dubbed the “godmother of Italian cooking,” revolutionized home kitchens with her unfussy Italian dishes. Her shrimp marinara recipe is no exception. Hazzan believed in the power of simplicity—using just a handful of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil to create a dynamic yet simple dish.
What makes Marcella Hazzan Shrimp recipe stand out? It’s the balance. She lets the flavors of the shrimp and marinara sauce shine, with little interference from over-seasoning or elaborate techniques. This recipe embraces the essence of coastal Italy, where fresh seafood and ripe tomatoes come together in harmony. It’s a celebration of simplicity, one that feels luxurious while being surprisingly easy to prepare.
How to Make the Best Shrimp Marinara Recipe at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound of fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Spaghetti or your choice of pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water.
- Pat dry with paper towels and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Build the Marinara Sauce
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the shrimp marinara over cooked spaghetti or your preferred pasta.
Enjoy this quick and flavorful dish for a taste of Italy in your own home!
Step-by-Step Guide: Shrimp Marinara with Jar Sauce
Short on time? No problem. Marcella Hazzan shrimp doesn’t always require hours of simmering sauce. You can use a high-quality jarred marinara (like Rao’s) to save time without compromising flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add your choice of jarred marinara sauce directly to the skillet. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Toss in raw shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Season to taste with salt, fresh basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve over al dente pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.
This simplified version still delivers big on flavor while honoring Marcella Hazzan’s focus on fresh, fast meals.
Adding a Healthy Twist: Shrimp Marinara with Vegetables
Looking to add more nutrition to Marcella Hazzan Shrimp recipe? Toss in your favorite seasonal vegetables! Zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, or artichokes all pair beautifully with shrimp marinara.
- Zucchini and Spinach: Cube zucchini and sauté with garlic before adding the sauce. Toss in fresh spinach during the last minute, letting it wilt into the sauce.
- Bell Peppers: Sauté thinly sliced peppers with the shrimp for added crunch and sweetness.
- Artichokes and Olives: Add these tangy, briny ingredients for a Mediterranean twist on Marcella Hazzan’s shrimp marinara.
By integrating vegetables, you not only enhance the flavor profile but also add color and nutrients to the dish.
Rao’s Shrimp Marinara Recipe vs. Marcella Hazzan’s Version
To better understand the differences and similarities between these two iconic shrimp marinara recipes, here is a comparison table:
| Aspect | Rao’s Shrimp Marinara | Marcella Hazzan’s Shrimp Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Sauce Base | Tomato-based with onions and garlic | Fresh tomato with garlic and olive oil |
| Key Spice | Red pepper flakes for heat | Simple seasoning, emphasis on fresh herbs |
| Cooking Time | Quick prep with pre-made marinara | Focus on fresh, fast ingredients made from scratch |
| Additions | Basil, parsley, optional parmesan | Basil, optional red pepper flakes |
| Protein Pairing | Shrimp cooked in the marinara sauce | Shrimp sautéed separately, then added |
| Customization | Versatile, encourages variations | Minimalistic, adheres to original flavors |
This comparison highlights the contrasting cooking philosophies while giving you the freedom to decide which style aligns with your taste and cooking preferences. Both recipes celebrate simplicity and fresh ingredients, yet their unique techniques make each dish distinct.
Quick and Easy Shrimp Marinara for Busy Weeknights
Ingredients
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Cook the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Sauce
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried oregano.
- Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp
- Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until pink and fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley.
- Serve over pasta or with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
This quick recipe ensures a flavorful, homemade dinner with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights!
Exploring Italian Shrimp Pasta with Red Sauce
Why This Dish Stands Out
- Combines the richness of Italian flavors with the lightness of seafood.
- Perfectly balanced with tangy tomatoes, herbs, and garlic.
- Offers versatility—ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
- Shrimp: Adds a sweet, delicate flavor to complement the robust sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce, providing a fresh and tangy taste.
- Garlic and Onion: Enhance the depth of flavor with aromatic, savory notes.
- Olive Oil: Ensures a smooth and rich texture for the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil adds a refreshing finish to the dish.
Tips for Perfect Execution
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best results.
- Allow the sauce to simmer to fully develop its flavors.
- Cook pasta al dente to perfectly absorb the sauce.
- Experiment with extra toppings like grated Parmesan or red chili flakes for added depth.
This dish truly embodies the heart of Italian cooking—simple ingredients turned into a masterpiece with love and care. Buon appetito!
Shrimp in Tomato Sauce Spanish-Style: A Mediterranean Take
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse and pat the shrimp dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are fragrant and tender.
- Add Spices
- Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce
- Add crushed tomatoes and white wine (if using). Stir well, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook the Shrimp
- Stir in the prepared shrimp and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
Tips for a Spanish Flair
- Use smoked paprika to infuse the dish with a signature Spanish flavor.
- Pair the dish with a crisp white wine or a light Spanish red for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
- Add sliced chorizo for a heartier twist.
This Spanish-style tomato shrimp dish offers bold, smoky flavors that transport you to the Mediterranean coast. Enjoy!
Tips for Cooking Raw Shrimp Directly in Pasta Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time
- Start by making your pasta sauce, ensuring it is well-seasoned and simmering gently before adding the shrimp. A tomato-based sauce works particularly well for this method.
- Choose the Right Shrimp
- Opt for peeled, deveined shrimp for convenience. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.
- Timing is Key
- Add the shrimp to the simmering sauce in the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them can result in a tough, rubbery texture.
- Stir Gently
- Once the shrimp are added, gently stir them into the sauce, ensuring they are all evenly coated and submerged to cook thoroughly.
- Check for Doneness
- Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink. Avoid letting them cook for too long after this stage.
- Finish with Garnish
- Once cooked, garnish the sauce with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and serve it immediately over your choice of pasta.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve tender, flavorful shrimp perfectly infused with the richness of your pasta sauce.
Pairing Suggestions: Perfect Sides for Marcella Hazan’s Shrimp
To complement the rich, flavorful shrimp and sauce, consider these side dishes that balance the meal beautifully:
- Garlic Bread
- A classic pairing, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of the delicious sauce. Look for a crispy baguette or Italian loaf brushed with olive oil, garlic, and parsley before toasting.
- Roasted Vegetables
- Lightly roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add a fresh, vibrant touch to the meal. Their natural sweetness pairs well with the savory shrimp sauce.
- Simple Green Salad
- A crisp, refreshing green salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens topped with a lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta and shrimp.
- Risotto or Polenta
- For a heartier pairing, creamy risotto or soft polenta creates a comforting base that complements the shrimp’s delicate texture and the sauce’s bold flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli or Spinach
- For a lighter option, steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach provides subtle flavors and a boost of nutrition, rounding out the meal effortlessly.
Each of these sides enhances the experience of Marcella Hazan’s shrimp, creating a well-rounded and memorable dining experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pairing Marcella Hazan’s shrimp with thoughtful and complementary side dishes elevates the dining experience to new heights. Whether you opt for a light and refreshing salad, hearty risotto, or vibrant roasted vegetables, each option brings its own unique character to the meal. These harmonious combinations ensure a balanced and satisfying plate, allowing the flavors of the shrimp to truly shine. With these accompaniments, your dinner table is sure to delight and impress every guest.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for Marcella Hazan’s recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry to remove excess moisture to achieve the best texture and flavor.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick of heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while preparing the sauce. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
3. What type of wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors of the shrimp and sauce beautifully. These wines enhance the dish without overpowering its delicate flavors.
4. Can I prepare the side dishes in advance?
Absolutely! Many side dishes, like risotto, polenta, or roasted vegetables, can be cooked ahead and gently reheated when ready to serve. This ensures the entire meal comes together seamlessly.
5. Are there vegetarian options for pairing?
Yes, light vegetable-based sides such as steamed asparagus, roasted carrots, or a fresh salad work excellently and provide a vegetarian-friendly balance to this dish.
These FAQs address common concerns and elevate confidence in preparing Marcella Hazan’s shrimp recipe for any occasion.
