Ziti Pasta With Herb-Marinated Grilled Prawns: Buon Appetito!

Submitted by Feast Your Eyes

"Why go out, when you can have a delicious Italian dinner in the comfort of your home? With this recipe your dinner guests and family will drool over the rich tomato sauce, the crisp freshness of basil, the bite of fresh garlic, and the fragrance of the herb-marinated prawns. There’s no more perfect combination of flavors and textures. Let your creativity soar - Use this reicpe as inspiration to create your own culinary delights! If you are really in a pinch for time,substitute the homemade tomato sauce for 1 large jar of your favorite pasta sauce."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 23
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• Marinated Prawns

• 1 lb uncooked extra large fresh prawns, peeled and deveined with tails
• 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 dash kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, finely chopped
• crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
• 1 (16 ounce) box ziti pasta, cooked and drained
• grated parmesan cheese

• 30-Minute Tomato Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 -4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian spices (rub between fingers to waken flavors)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 cup marsala wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 dash kosher salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

directions

1. Marinated Prawns:.
2. Wash and pat dry the prawns. Peel and devein; leave on the tails.
3. Butterfly the prawns: With a small SHARP knife slice down the back of each prawn - almost completely through. Spread and flatten to form the butterfly shape.
4. In a large sealable plastic bag, combine the oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, onion powder, basil, oregano, parsley and pepper flakes.
5. Add the prepared prawns to the marinade; toss to coat. Marinate in refrigerator for at least thirty (30) minutes.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes longer. Add the remaining ingredients and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 30 minutes.
7. Prepare ziti according to directions on box.
8. Remove prawns from marinade (DISCARD LEFTOVER MARINADE).
9. Grill or broil prawns, turning once, until prawns turn pink. DO NOT OVERCOOK.
10. On a warm, large serving platter spoon the tomato sauce over hot ziti and top with the prawns.
11. Garnish, if desired, with additional chopped parsley leaves and serve with Parmesan cheese. DON'T FORGET THE WARM, CRUSTY ITALIAN BREAD TO SOP UP THE SAUCE!
12. Cooks Tip: After dinner, refresh yourself Italian style with a frosty shot of Limoncello. The Italians say it helps with digestion. Who knows if it's true, but… who cares? Sure is tasty.