Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes, Asparagus, and Shrimp
This delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish combines perfectly cooked bow tie pasta with the vibrant flavors of roasted tomatoes and tender asparagus, all complemented by succulent shrimp. A recipe originally shared by my dear friend Lynn, who crafted it one evening with such love and creativity, it quickly became a beloved staple in my kitchen. The sweet roasted tomatoes, enhanced by the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic, marry beautifully with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice and aromatic herbs. Enjoy this dish as a flavorful main course that easily brings a touch of elegance to any dinner table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plum tomatoes
12 (quartered lengthwise)
Garlic
1 small head (top 1/2 inch sliced off, loose skin removed)
Thin asparagus
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed)
Large shrimp
2 lbs (de-veined and peeled)
Bow tie pasta
3/4 cup (dry)
Fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
Chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon
Chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Olive oil
4 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
In a large roasting pan, toss the quartered plum tomatoes with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and a generous grind of black pepper.
3
Prepare the garlic by slicing off the top 1/2 inch and discarding it. Remove any loose skins and wrap the head of garlic in aluminum foil. Place it in the roasting pan with the tomatoes.
4
Roast the tomatoes and garlic in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, without stirring, until the tomatoes are wrinkled and starting to brown.
5
After 20 minutes, scatter the trimmed asparagus and peeled shrimp over the roasted tomatoes. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6
Once cooked, carefully remove the garlic from the pan, unwrap it, and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Cover the roasting pan to keep it warm.
7
While the vegetables and shrimp are roasting, cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta.
8
Separate the roasted garlic cloves, and using the flat side of a knife, squeeze out the soft pulp. Mash it to form a smooth paste.
9
In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, the garlic paste, lemon juice, chopped oregano, chopped thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
10
Gently transfer the pasta to the roasting pan with the tomatoes, asparagus, and shrimp. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the flavorful juices.
11
Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean feast!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes, Asparagus, and Shrimp?
It is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired main course featuring bow tie pasta, roasted plum tomatoes, tender asparagus, succulent shrimp, and a garlic-herb dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
How many plum tomatoes are required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 12 plum tomatoes, quartered lengthwise.
How is the garlic prepared for roasting?
Slice off the top 1/2 inch of a small head of garlic, remove loose skins, and wrap it in aluminum foil.
How long should the tomatoes and garlic roast initially?
They should roast for 20 minutes without stirring until the tomatoes are wrinkled and starting to brown.
When should the asparagus and shrimp be added to the pan?
Scatter the trimmed asparagus and peeled shrimp over the tomatoes after the initial 20 minutes of roasting.
How much shrimp is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 pounds of large shrimp that have been de-veined and peeled.
How long does it take for the shrimp and asparagus to cook in the oven?
They take approximately 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
What should I do with the garlic after it has finished roasting?
Let it cool for 5 minutes, then separate the cloves and squeeze out the soft pulp to create a smooth paste.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses bow tie pasta (also known as farfalle).
How much dry bow tie pasta is required?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of dry bow tie pasta.
How long should the pasta be boiled?
Boil the pasta in salted water for about 8 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What herbs are used to season the pasta?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh oregano and chopped fresh thyme.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for zesty brightness.
How much asparagus is included in the dish?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 pounds of thin asparagus.
What is the total amount of olive oil used?
A total of 4 teaspoons of olive oil is used: 2 teaspoons for the tomatoes and 2 teaspoons for tossing with the pasta.
How are the ingredients combined at the end?
The drained pasta is tossed with oil, garlic paste, lemon juice, and herbs, then added to the roasting pan with the vegetables and shrimp.
Can I use ground black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests using freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is salt added to the dish?
Salt is added to the pasta boiling water and also used to season the final dish to taste.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable dishes, though it contains seafood.
Who is the original creator of this recipe according to the description?
The recipe was originally shared by a friend named Lynn.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to the inclusion of fresh vegetables and lean protein.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While it can be eaten at room temperature, the recipe recommends serving it warm.
Should the asparagus be thick or thin?
The recipe specifically recommends using thin asparagus.
Do I need to stir the tomatoes during the first roasting phase?
No, the instructions state to roast the tomatoes for 20 minutes without stirring.
What provides the mellow sweetness in the dish?
The mellow sweetness comes from the roasted garlic and sweet roasted tomatoes.
How do you ensure the pasta is well coated?
By tossing the pasta gently in the roasting pan with the flavorful juices from the tomatoes and shrimp.
What is the preparation for the shrimp?
The shrimp should be large, de-veined, and peeled before roasting.
What is the preparation for the plum tomatoes?
They should be quartered lengthwise before being placed in the roasting pan.