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Shrimp Pesto Pasta

A delightful and vibrant dish combining succulent shrimp with al dente pasta, tossed in a fresh basil pesto sauce for a quick and flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
  • 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste
For the Pesto Sauce
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts toasted for flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
  2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Make the Pesto Sauce
  1. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
  3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine and Serve
  1. In the skillet with the shrimp, add the drained pasta and pesto sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the pasta before serving. You can also substitute shrimp with chicken or vegetables for a different variation.