Pesto Shrimp Pasta: A Quick Gourmet Delight

Delicious Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Indulge in the rich flavors of homemade pesto and perfectly cooked shrimp with this simple yet flavorful Pesto Shrimp Pasta. It’s an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party with friends. Just follow these easy steps for a gourmet meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for sautéing
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta of your choice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
5. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
6. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the pesto sauce, warming it slightly. If desired, add a tablespoon of lemon juice for some extra zest.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the pesto sauce. If the mixture is too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches a silky texture.
8. Add the cooked shrimp to the pasta and gently toss to combine.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves if desired.

Enjoy your quick and delicious Pesto Shrimp Pasta, a meal that’s sure to please your palate and add a dash of sophistication to your dinner repertoire!