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Fregola with Shrimp and Tomatoes
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This is our simplified version of fregola with seafood and tomato sauce that we tasted in Sardinia. Cooking the pasta in chicken broth and bottled clam juice that were first simmered with shrimp shells adds deep complexity without calling for a lengthy ingredient list. If your shrimp already are shelled, remove the tails and use those to infuse the liquid. And if you have trouble finding fregola, an equal amount of toasted pearl couscous is a good stand-in; see steps for toasting instructions. You'll also need to reduce the chicken broth to only 2 cups. And after cooking the fregola for 8 to 10 minutes following the second addition of shrimp-infused broth, remove the pot from the heat before adding the shrimp.
Ingredients
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1½
pounds extra-large (21/25 per pound) shrimp, peeled (shells reserved), deveined and patted dry
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2
8-ounce bottles clam juice
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3
cups low-sodium chicken broth
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4
bay leaves
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1
sprig fresh thyme
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1
tablespoon black peppercorns
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Kosher salt and ground black pepper
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4
tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
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1
pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
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1
medium yellow onion, finely chopped
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1
medium carrot, peeled, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
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2
medium garlic cloves, finely grated
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1
cup fregola (see note)
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2
tablespoons lemon juice
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½
cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions
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01In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the shrimp shells, clam juice, chicken broth, bay, thyme and peppercorns. Microwave on high until the shrimp tails have turned pink and the mixture is very hot, 4 to 5 minutes. Pour through a fine mesh strainer set over another medium bowl; discard the solids in the strainer.See Demo
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02Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large pot over medium-high, heat 1 tablespoon of oil until barely smoking. Add half the shrimp and cook without stirring until well browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large plate. Repeat with 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil and the remaining shrimp.See Demo
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03Return the pot to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil. Add the tomatoes, onion, carrot and ½ teaspoon salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are spotty brown and the onion has softened, 3 to 5 minutes.See Demo
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04Add the garlic and fregola then cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in 2 cups of the shrimp broth, then bring to a simmer. Reduce to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in 2 cups of the remaining broth, return to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 cup broth and cook, stirring constantly, until the fregola is tender and the mixture is creamy but not soupy, another 6 to 8 minutes.See Demo
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05Off the heat, stir in the shrimp and accumulated juices, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, the lemon juice and parsley. Cover and let stand until the shrimp are opaque throughout, 5 to 7 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.See Demo
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06Pearl couscous, sometimes called Israeli couscous, makes an acceptable substitute for Sardinian fregola, but it must be toasted. To toast, put the couscous in a dry, large pot (the same one you'll later use to cook the dish). Cook over medium, stirring often, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Even after toasting, the couscous will absorb liquid differently than fregola, so be sure to adjust the broth as directed in the recipe notes.