Pesto Shrimp
Pesto Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a homemade basil pesto sauce. This recipe celebrates the bright flavors of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, creating a delightful sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
Pesto Shrimp is versatile and can be served as an appetizer, over pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.
With its aromatic pesto sauce and tender shrimp, this dish is sure to become a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Basil Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to Make Pesto Shrimp
Prepare the Basil Pesto:
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), and garlic cloves. Pulse several times until coarsely chopped.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and pulse again until combined.
With the food processor running, gradually pour in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the skillet is hot.
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Combine Shrimp with Pesto:
Reduce the heat to low and add the prepared basil pesto to the skillet with the cooked shrimp.
Gently toss the shrimp in the pesto sauce until evenly coated. Cook for another minute to warm the pesto and meld the flavors together.
Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the Pesto Shrimp to a serving platter or individual plates.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over each serving.
Chef’s Note
For a lighter version of Pesto Shrimp, you can reduce the amount of olive oil used in the pesto sauce according to your preference. Adjust the consistency of the pesto by adding more olive oil for a smoother sauce or leaving it thicker for a chunkier texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor of the pesto, but you can also use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time. Serve Pesto Shrimp immediately after cooking to enjoy the vibrant flavors of the basil pesto at their peak.
Nutritional Value
(Nutritional values are approximate and per serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Pesto Shrimp, where tender shrimp are bathed in a homemade basil pesto sauce that’s aromatic and full of fresh herb goodness.
This dish is perfect for those who love the combination of seafood with bold Italian flavors, offering a delightful twist on classic pesto pasta. Enjoy Pesto Shrimp as a versatile and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
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