The aroma of fresh basil mingling with sautéed shrimp is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Picture a bowl of vibrant, green pesto swirling around tender pasta, with succulent shrimp perched on top like the cherry on a sundae. pair with lemon blueberry cupcakes This is not just any meal; this is Shrimp Pesto Pasta, a dish that promises to transport you straight to a sunny Italian terrace, where every bite feels like a mini-vacation. salmon rolls with lemon basil.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of shrimp should I use for shrimp pesto pasta?
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Is there a vegetarian version of shrimp pesto pasta?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dish holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made it for my friends during a summer gathering. We laughed, we sipped wine, and most importantly, we devoured every last morsel of that Shrimp Pesto Pasta while trying (and failing) to pronounce “al dente” correctly. Oh, the joys of culinary adventures! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This quick-to-prepare dish bursts with flavor and freshness
- It looks gorgeous on your dinner table and appeals to both seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s deliciously versatile and can be customized based on your preferences
The deliciousness doesn’t stop there. You can prepare this meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something fancy without spending hours in the kitchen. The vibrant colors will make your plate pop, leaving everyone at the table wondering if you secretly attended culinary school. lemon herb roasted chicken Plus, the recipe is adaptable; feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or toss in seasonal veggies!
I served this dish at my friend’s birthday party once, and let’s just say it was gone faster than cake at a kid’s party!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta: I love using linguine or fettuccine for this recipe; they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp; they add a satisfying bite and cook quickly.
Fresh Basil: Use vibrant green leaves for that aromatic punch; dried basil just won’t cut it.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key here; they provide an irresistible aroma and flavor.
Pine Nuts: Toast them lightly before adding to your pesto for an extra layer of nuttiness.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth of flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese elevates your pesto from good to gourmet!
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Toss in shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque.
Prepare the Pesto Sauce: In a food processor, combine fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. creamy asparagus risotto Blend until smooth and creamy.
Toss Everything Together: In the skillet with the shrimp, add cooked pasta along with pesto sauce. Stir well until everything is coated evenly.
Serve and Garnish: Plate your masterpiece! Top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for that wow factor.
Enjoy every bite of your Shrimp Pesto Pasta as you bask in compliments from family or friends eager for more!
This simple yet elegant dish proves that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious! With just a few key ingredients and less than an hour of your time, you can create an unforgettable meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds). Now go ahead—grab some shrimp and basil because it’s time to impress!
You Must Know
- Cooking shrimp perfectly is key; overcooked shrimp turns rubbery, so keep an eye on it
- Fresh pesto adds vibrant flavor; consider homemade for a personal touch
- Don’t forget to reserve pasta water for a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente while you sauté shrimp in garlic and olive oil. Once cooked, combine everything with pesto for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or veggies. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes or pine nuts for added flavor and texture. Adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences for a personalized dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen can work but may lack freshness
- Always taste as you go; adjusting seasoning at the end makes a world of difference
- Keep pasta water handy; it helps create the perfect sauce consistency
Cooking this shrimp pesto pasta reminds me of my college days when I discovered my culinary skills (or lack thereof). One evening, I decided to impress my friends with this dish. It was either that or order pizza again! Their faces lit up as they took their first bites, and I felt like a gourmet chef—until someone pointed out I had forgotten to add salt. Lesson learned!
FAQ
What type of shrimp should I use for shrimp pesto pasta?
Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they’re deveined and peeled.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of shrimp pesto pasta?
Absolutely! Substitute shrimp with grilled vegetables or chickpeas for protein.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a fresh basil pesto, creating a delightful meal in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a taste of Italy right at your dinner table. With its stunning presentation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Sauté shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- 3. Prepare pesto: In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth.
- 4. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed shrimp and pesto sauce until evenly coated.
- 5. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
