Tequila-Spiked Pasta

Submitted by Chef mariajane

"Serve this sensational pasta dish and you'll get a very positive reaction. It will soon be part of your entertaining repertoire."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes, cored
• 1⁄2 lb fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for pasta
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra for pasta water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, cored, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 1⁄4 cup silver tequila (not aged)
• 2 ripe fresh avocados, halved, seeded, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice
• 1 bunch fresh basil, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
• salt & freshly ground black pepper

directions

1. In a blender, purée whole tomatoes until smooth, adding a small amounto f water if necessaary. Reserve.
2. Fill a stock pot with water and bring to a boil. Add pasta and salt to the pot. Cook until al dente, about eight minutes. Drain in a colander and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Meanwhile in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and sauté shrimp for one minute on each side.
4. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Remove skillet from heat and add diced tomatoes and tequila. Return skillet to heat and continue to sauté for three minutes, stirring constantly. (Be careful as pan might flame). Stir in half the diced avocado and half the basil. Transfer shrimp mixture to a platter using a slotted spoon, leaving liquid in the skillet.
6. Add reserved tomato purée to skillet, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until mixture is reduced by about one-third.
7. Add butter, stirring until it is melted. Then add remaining diced avocado and basil. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Toss finished sauce with cooled pasta until thoroughly combined. To serve, divide pasta mixture among individual entrée plates or shallow pasta bowls.
8. Top with shrimp mixture and serve immediately.