From DN Recipes by David Nagy · Food & Beverage

Shrimp and Scallop Pasta Vodka

Published

Shrimp and Scallop Pasta Vodka
Prep time: 10 minutes  Cook time: 20 minutes  Yield: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
  • 12 ounces fresh fettuccine pasta
  • Salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
  • 2 stems fresh basil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced, about 4 teaspoons
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 pound peeled, deveined raw shrimp
  • 1 pound bay scallops
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Grated parmesan or romano cheese

METHOD
  1. Put pasta water on to boil: Put a large pot of salted water (1 Tbsp salt for every 2 quarts of water) on to boil for the pasta.  
  2. Sauté onions, garlic, red pepper flakes: Melt butter and olive oil in a large, thick-bottomed pot on medium high heat. Sauté 5 to 7 minutes, until lightly browned.
  3. Lower the heat to medium, add the garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes and cook a minute more.
  4. Add tomatoes, basil, and zest. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.
  5. Using a stick blender, mix in the vodka, cream, and lemon zest. Blend until smooth - about 30 seconds. Increase heat to bring to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a simmer.
  6. Start cooking pasta. 
  7. Taste sauce for salt and add to taste (you'll likely need about 1 teaspoon). Add the shrimp and scallops to the sauce. Cook until the shrimp and scallops are just cooked through, about 5 minutes, then reduce heat.
  8. When the pasta is done, al dente, strain it (SAVE SOME PASTA WATER for adding later.) and add it to the vodka tomato sauce and shrimp-scallops. Add some pasta water as needed and stir to achieve desired consistency. remove from heat.
  9. Sprinkle with parsley, grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper to serve.