Description
Welcome to a culinary adventure that will elevate your cooking game: the Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta! This gourmet recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience bursting with flavor and sensual textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne works best)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier sauce)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes (halved (optional))
- Fresh basil (chopped (optional, for garnish))
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4️⃣ Make the Pesto Sauce:
- Lower the heat and stir in the pesto.
- Add heavy cream (if using) and mix until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
5️⃣ Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated in the pesto sauce.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness, if desired.
6️⃣ Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 480