Saffron-Infused Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes

Name: Saffron-Infused Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 oz shells pasta; 1 lb shrimp; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 1/4 tsp saffron threads; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 3/4 tsp salt

Elegant pasta tossed with plump shrimp and sweet tomatoes in a golden saffron-tinged sauce, ready in 20 minutes.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Category: Pasta

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 15 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

12 oz shells pasta
1 lb shrimp
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1/4 tsp saffron threads
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh parsley
3/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz shells pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp saffron threads, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juice.
Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet with drained pasta, add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Toss with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until sauce coats pasta evenly and thickens slightly.