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This Valentine’s Day buffet offers a simple yet elegant selection of dishes designed to celebrate love and togetherness. Combining fresh ingredients like shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and spinach with comforting pasta makes this meal both satisfying and festive. It is perfect for sharing with someone special or hosting a small gathering.
I first prepared this for a Valentine’s dinner and the combination of bright lemon and tender shrimp quickly became a favorite in our home. It feels special without being complicated, which I appreciate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pasta: choose a quality gluten free variety with good texture
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes: look for firm, ripe tomatoes for sweetness and color
- 1 cup of spinach: fresh spinach adds vibrant green color and nutrients
- 1/2 cup of olive oil: use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits
- 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese: freshly grated parmesan enhances savoriness
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: adds subtle depth to the dish if you prefer fresh garlic that works too
- Salt and pepper to taste: season thoughtfully to balance all flavors
- 1 pound of shrimp: select fresh or high grade frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon: fresh lemon juice brightens the whole recipe; buy firm and heavy lemons for juiciness
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside but keep some pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in garlic powder and stir for a few seconds to bloom the flavor. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Add Vegetables:
- Once shrimp are cooked, toss in the cherry tomatoes and spinach. Stir them gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts slightly and tomatoes start to soften, releasing some of their sweetness.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix everything well. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top just before serving so it melts slightly into the warm pasta. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
My favorite part of this dish is the fresh lemon juice that cuts through the richness and adds a bright, refreshing note. One Valentine’s Day I added a little extra lemon zest—it was such a hit that it became a permanent addition for us.
Stockage des restes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to two days for the freshest taste. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating as it can easily overcook the shrimp and make the pasta rubbery.
Substitutions d’ingrédients
For a vegetarian version replace shrimp with grilled tofu or sautéed mushrooms to keep the protein component. You can also swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard depending on what is in season or available. If parmesan cheese is unavailable use a hard vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar umami effect.
Suggestions de service
Serve this buffet with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette. A chilled glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs beautifully with the seafood and light pasta flavors. Finish with a light dessert like fresh strawberries or a sorbet for a sweet touch to your Valentine’s gathering.
Enjoy this simple elegant buffet that highlights fresh ingredients and bright lemon. It’s perfect for sharing a special Valentine’s meal.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quels ingrédients composent ce buffet ?
Il comprend des pâtes, des crevettes, des tomates cerises, des épinards, de l'huile d'olive, du parmesan, de l'ail en poudre, du citron, ainsi que du sel et du poivre.
- → Comment préparer les crevettes ?
Les crevettes sont sautées à l'huile d'olive avec de l'ail en poudre jusqu'à ce qu'elles deviennent roses.
- → Quelles sont les étapes pour réussir ce plat ?
Il faut cuire les pâtes, préparer les crevettes au sautage, ajouter les légumes, mélanger le tout et assaisonner avec sel, poivre et jus de citron, puis parsemer de parmesan.
- → Ce buffet convient-il à un régime sans gluten ?
Oui, en sélectionnant des pâtes sans gluten, ce buffet est adapté à ce type de régime.
- → Combien de personnes ce buffet peut-il servir ?
Cette préparation est conçue pour environ 4 personnes.