Lemon Cream Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Shrimp

LEMON CREAM ORECCHIETTE WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND GRILLED SHRIMP

This meal has become a house favorite I must say. I love sweet italian sausage, and Brandon loves grilled shrimp. Why not have both? It can be a surf and turf situation. You’ll need a big pot though. This makes quite a bit of pasta.

We’ve also never had orecchiette pasta until now, and we love it because it’s like each little cup is like a container for more cream sauce. It’s just so delightful.

LEMON CREAM ORECCHIETTE WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND GRILLED SHRIMP RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
  1 lb medium shrimp,deveined, rinsed
  1/3 cup flour
  ¼ cup green onions, diced
  1 yellow bell pepper
  1 red bell pepper
  2 stalks celery, diced
  1 leek, rinsed, diced
  ¼ cup garlic, minced
  1 teaspoon each of thyme, rosemary, basil, freshly chopped
  1 teaspoon each of black pepper, salt, cayenne
  ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  ½ cup white wine
  1 lemon, juiced
  2 cups organic whipping cream
  2 cups organic whole milk
  1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  16 oz cooked orecchiette noodles
  ½ cup chopped fresh parsley to top, optional
  1-2 roma tomatoes, cut to top, optional
  ½ lemon, cut to pieces to top, optional

Instructions

In a large 9 qt pot, pour in a few glugs of olive oil on medium heat, sauté the Italian sausage for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Remove the sausage and set aside. Sear the shrimp on both sides for about 3 minutes in desired seasoning, and also remove from skillet and set aside.
Next, add the celery, leeks, green onions, bell peppers and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables are slightly translucent.
Add all herbs and spices.
Stir in the flour, making sure there are no lumps.
Pour in the lemon juice, then the white wine. Stir.
Slowly add the whipping cream and whole milk to pot to mix. This will need to be brought to a boil, then set on low to simmer for 20 minutes. It should be stirred occasionally, and reduce in amount while thickening.
Fold in the parmesan cheese.
Immediately add back in the sausage and shrimp.
Spoon the cooked orecchiette into the cream sauce.
Top pasta in a presentation bowl with parsley, tomatoes and lemon wedges to taste. Enjoy!