Irresistible Shrimp Pesto Pasta: A Flavorful Delight

Shrimp Pesto Pasta is like a love letter to your taste buds, with its luscious green sauce swirling around tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta. Imagine diving into a bowl of creamy, aromatic goodness that brightens up any weeknight dinner. homemade spaghetti sauce The vibrant basil notes from the pesto will dance tantalizingly with the savory sweetness of shrimp, making every bite a mini celebration. creamy asparagus risotto.

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This dish is not just food; it’s an experience. Picture yourself enjoying this culinary delight on a sunny evening, perhaps with a glass of white wine in hand while laughter fills the air. You’ll want to serve Shrimp Pesto Pasta at family gatherings or casual get-togethers, where everyone can share in the joy of good food and even better company. Trust me; you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta recipe.

I still remember the first time I made Shrimp Pesto Pasta for friends—let’s just say there were no leftovers, and I earned my unofficial title as “Pasta Master!”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite type—spaghetti, linguine, or penne all work well for this recipe.

• Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled shrimp; they absorb flavors beautifully and cook quickly. fresh avocado mango salsa.

• Basil Pesto: Store-bought is fine, but homemade adds an extra layer of flavor—you’ll wow your guests!

• Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little gems add color and burst of flavor to balance the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan lends richness; it’s worth the extra effort!

• Olive Oil: A drizzle elevates everything—use high-quality oil for maximum flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings an aromatic kick that complements the shrimp perfectly.

• Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the dish and balances the richness of pesto. lemon herb roasted chicken.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Get ready to whip up this delightful pasta dish that will leave everyone asking for your secret!

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember, overcooked pasta is like sad noodles—nobody wants that!

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque—about 3 minutes per side.

Add Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking shrimp. They should soften slightly but retain their shape—like tiny flavor bombs!

Mingle with Pesto: Once the pasta is cooked and drained (save some pasta water!), add it directly to the skillet with shrimp and tomatoes. Mix in pesto along with a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess.

Finish with Lemon Juice and Cheese: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything before adding grated parmesan cheese. Give it all a good toss until well combined—the aroma will be irresistible.

Serve Immediately!: Plate your Shrimp Pesto Pasta hot and garnish with additional parmesan if you’d like to impress your audience even more. Enjoy every mouthful!

Now you’re equipped with not just a recipe but also a story that connects food with memories! Grab your fork—it’s time to dig into this delightful creation!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your pasta until al dente while sautéing shrimp in olive oil. Combine them with pesto for a quick and tasty dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor kick. Customize with your favorite veggies too!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to retain flavors and texture.

Cooking this shrimp pesto pasta always reminds me of when my family gathered around the table, laughing and sharing stories after a long week. Those moments made all the effort worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp pesto pasta?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly; just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Spaghetti or fettuccine complements shrimp and pesto beautifully, but any pasta works.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of pesto for a healthier option.

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Shrimp Pesto Pasta

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• Author: homerecipeseasy
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a delightful and vibrant dish that brings together succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious pesto sauce, creating a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This quick and easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With fresh ingredients and an explosion of flavors, each bite is sure to impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. 1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2. Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (about 3 minutes per side).
3. 3. Add tomatoes: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking shrimp.
4. 4. Combine with pesto: Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with basil pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess. Toss to combine.
5. 5. Finish with lemon juice and cheese: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use homemade pesto. Swap shrimp for chicken or toss in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.