Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Craving a delicious and quick meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy to your table? Pesto Shrimp Pasta is a perfect choice! This dish combines succulent shrimp with a fragrant pesto sauce, creating a harmonious blend that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite type)
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
- Optional: cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for garnish
Procedure:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Pesto Sauce:
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.
- Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend briefly to combine.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Combine Everything:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the cooked pasta.
- Pour in the pesto sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss to combine.
- Serve:
- Transfer the pesto shrimp pasta to serving plates.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade pesto shrimp pasta!
This Pesto Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.