Chef Rosebud Benitez's Scampi Pasta with Lemon and White Wine Sauce

"I like cooking something delicious na parang binigyan mo ng sobrang effort pero sa totoo, sandaling sandali mo lang ginawa," says Rosebud Benitez who, perhaps because of this reason, was handpicked to host QTV's Quickfire, a 10-minute capsule show broadcast thrice daily.

"I stick to what I know best instead of coming up with something extravagant. The flavors in the dish that I made are flavors I like such as lemon and seafood. The dish is also kind of spunky—similar to my personality," she adds.

Serves 2 to 4 
Prep Time 5 minutes 
Cooking Time 10 minutes

450 grams linguine
1 lemon, zested    
450 grams prawns, peeled, deveined
salt and pepper to taste
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons shallots, minced
1 tablespoon crushed garlic
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
additional chopped Italian parsley for garnish

1  Cook the linguine in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water for later. Sprinkle lemon zest over the freshly cooked pasta and toss well. Set aside.

2  Sprinkle salt and pepper on the shrimp. Set aside.

3  Place a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until sizzling. Add shallots and sauté until translucent, approximately 1 minute. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Put in the shrimp and cook until just pink, approximately 3 minutes. Pour in the wine and lemon juice, and bring to a lively simmer. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside. Continue cooking the sauce until reduced to half, approximately 2 minutes. Add the butter and mix well. Add the chili flakes and Italian parsley. Return the shrimp to the sauce and stir to coat.

4  Plate the linguine and top with the shrimp and sauce. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley and serve.

Photography by At Maculangan | Styling by Angelo Comsti | Special thanks to Tykwer for the kitchen. The Tykwer Showroom is at 83 Calypso St., Acropolis Greens, Libis, Quezon City; tel. no.: 636-0214; website: pinkelephantfurnhaus.multiply.com.