Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a delightful fusion of succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto sauce.
This dish brings together the freshness of basil, the richness of Parmesan cheese, and the savory goodness of shrimp, creating a comforting and flavorful meal.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Shrimp Pesto Pasta offers a balance of textures and flavors that will satisfy both seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
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
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- Salt, for boiling pasta water
For Serving:
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Shrimp Pesto Pasta
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.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season with salt and black pepper.
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 Pasta and Pesto:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp.
Spoon the prepared basil pesto over the pasta and shrimp. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve:
Remove from heat and divide Shrimp Pesto Pasta among serving plates or bowls.
Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves.
Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Chef’s Note
For a lighter version of Shrimp Pesto Pasta, you can reduce the amount of olive oil used in the basil pesto according to your preference. Adjust the consistency of the pesto sauce by adding more olive oil for a smoother texture or leaving it thicker for a chunkier sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor of the pesto, but you can also use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time. Customize this dish by adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted pine nuts, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Nutritional Value
(Nutritional values are approximate and per serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Shrimp Pesto Pasta, where tender shrimp are tossed with al dente pasta and creamy basil pesto sauce.
This dish offers a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for any occasion. Serve Shrimp Pesto Pasta as a main course for dinner or as a delightful dish to impress guests at your next gathering.
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