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Close-up of Irresistible Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta, featuring perfectly cooked shrimp nestled in linguine coated with vibrant pesto sauce, garnished with basil.

Irresistible Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta


  • Author: faironplay.com
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp in a rich, creamy pesto sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces linguine or fettuccine
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  • For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a brighter flavor.
  • Feel free to add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 250mg

Keywords: creamy pesto shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta recipe, pesto pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, seafood pasta