Irresistible Shrimp Pesto Pasta: A Flavorful Delight

There’s something about the combination of succulent shrimp and vibrant green pesto that brings a smile to my face. The moment you toss those perfectly cooked noodles with the rich, aromatic sauce, your kitchen transforms into a culinary paradise. homemade spaghetti sauce If you close your eyes, you can almost taste the burst of flavor that is Shrimp Pesto Pasta.

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Every time I whip up this dish, it reminds me of summer evenings spent on the patio, where laughter mingles with the intoxicating scent of fresh basil. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy date night—who doesn’t love a meal that feels fancy but comes together in no time? Get ready for an adventure in flavor!

I’ll never forget the time I made this dish for my parents’ anniversary dinner. Their delighted expressions were priceless as they dug into their plates, declaring it the best pasta they’d ever tasted!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: lemon blueberry cupcakes.

• Shrimp: Use fresh or thawed shrimp; they should be firm and pink for optimal flavor.

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type; I recommend linguine or spaghetti for a classic touch.

• Pesto: Fresh basil pesto is ideal; store-bought works well if you’re short on time.

• Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color; look for bright, firm tomatoes.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan enhances flavor; fresh cheese provides richer taste than pre-grated.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the dish’s aroma; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; use it both for cooking and drizzling.

• Salt and Pepper: Adjust these to your taste; seasoning is key in balancing flavors.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together. Chop garlic finely and halve cherry tomatoes to prepare them for cooking.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while saving some pasta water.

Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic : In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil before adding minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant then add shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Add Tomatoes and Pesto : Toss in halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet with shrimp. After about two minutes, stir in pesto sauce until everything is combined well.

Combine Everything : Gently fold cooked pasta into the skillet with shrimp mixture. If it seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Serve with Flair : Plate your Shrimp Pesto Pasta generously, garnishing with grated parmesan and freshly cracked pepper. refreshing avocado mango salsa Enjoy every delicious bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta first; drain and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking. While that’s happening, sauté shrimp in garlic until pink and tender. Lastly, mix everything with pesto for an effortless yet delicious meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to fit your dietary needs. lemon herb roasted chicken Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or top with parmesan for extra creaminess.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover shrimp pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe.

It’s funny how my friends always request this dish whenever they come over. Once, I made it on a whim, and now it’s a staple at every gathering!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

What type of pasta works best with shrimp pesto pasta?

Any pasta shape works well; penne and linguine are particularly popular choices.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute shrimp with roasted vegetables or chickpeas for a delightful vegetarian option.

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Shrimp Pesto Pasta

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

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Description

Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, vibrant pesto, and al dente pasta that brings the essence of summer to your table. This quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a visually stunning meal that will impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup fresh basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients: chop garlic and halve cherry tomatoes.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp; cook until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes; cook for another 2 minutes before adding pesto sauce.
5. Gently fold cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Serve garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian twist, substitute shrimp with roasted vegetables or chickpeas. Feel free to sprinkle red pepper flakes for added heat.