I’m obsessed with avocados.  Il Corallo, one of my favorite Italian restaurants, prepares a dish similar to this recipe.  They introduced me to this concept of using avocado in a pasta dish before it was trendy.  The avocado combined with the sautéed shrimp and tomatoes makes this a light but filling meal.  I hope you enjoy this penne with avocado and shrimp recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp
• 8 oz penne pasta
• Olive oil
• Grape tomatoes – 1/2 container or more to taste
• Haas avocado – cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 shallot – diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Goya adobo
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cooking Instructions:

1. Season shrimp with adobo, salt, pepper and oregano.  Let the shrimp marinade while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions and drain.  Tip: I use Ronzoni Quick Cook penne pasta.  It cooks in 3-5 minutes which saves you time.
3. Dice the shallot, cut the tomatoes in half and cut the avocado in bite-sized pieces.  Tip:  Use a spoon to scoop the avocado halves out of the skin; then place flat-side down on the board to cut.
4. Place a sauté pan over medium-high heat and coat the bottom with olive oil.
5. Cook the shallot and garlic in the oil for 1-2 minutes, then add the shrimp.  Cook the shrimp on each side (about 5 minutes) until it becomes opaque.  Drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp and stir.  The image above shows the shrimp mixture which is the flavor or base for this recipe.
6. Add the tomatoes and allow to cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add the pasta, parsley and parmesan cheese, and toss to combine.  Taste the pasta.  Add salt and pepper (if needed).
8. Finally, add the avocado and toss again.

It’s important when you cook to taste the dish as you build the flavors.  Everyone’s palate is different so you may choose to add more or less of a particular ingredient.  When following a recipe, it’s okay to make changes to reflect your preferences.  Cooking should be fun and a little creative.  Don’t be intimated or afraid to fail.  You can always order pizza.

Below are additional seafood and pasta dishes you should try:

1. Calamari Boil Foil Packets
2. Toaster Oven Mac and Cheese

What is your family’s favorite seafood or pasta dish?  Share in the comments below.  I’m always looking for new ideas.

Buen Provecho,

Jackie

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