Ingredients:
- Tea Rubs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of black tea leaves, dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of sugar)
- Spaghetti or linguine: 400g
- Seafood mix (shrimp, scallops, crab meat, or your choice): 1 pound
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint, halved
- Lemon: 1, zested and juiced
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley: a handful, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheese (optional): 1 cup, such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Seafood and Tea Rubs: Add the tea rubs to the skillet and cook for 1 minute to release the aroma. Add the seafood to the skillet and cook until it is opaque and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Pasta: Add the cherry tomatoes and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine.
- Create the Sauce: In a separate small saucepan, combine the reserved pasta water with the remaining olive oil and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly reduced. Pour this sauce over the pasta and seafood mixture.
- Season and Garnish: Season the pasta with salt, black pepper, and the juice of the lemon. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and shredded cheese if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately, ensuring each serving has a good mix of seafood, pasta, and sauce.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the pasta, complementing the traditional flavors of a creamy seafood pasta.
- For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- This Creamy Seafood Pasta with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend lunch. The addition of tea rubs creates a memorable and aromatic twist on a classic dish.