Description
Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with vibrant pesto sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a delightful culinary experience for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. Each bite bursts with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan, making it both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Impress your guests or treat yourself to this comforting dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine right to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare pasta by boiling in salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (3-4 minutes per side).
- In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice until finely chopped. Gradually add olive oil until smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta with shrimp and pesto in the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water for desired creaminess.
- Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan or basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, lightly toast the pine nuts before blending into the pesto. You can substitute shrimp with chicken or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.