Aromatic Basil Pesto Shrimp Pasta with Olive Oil
Aromatic Basil Pesto Shrimp Pasta with Olive Oil
How to Make Delicious Basil Pesto Shrimp Pasta at Home
Today, we’re making a fantastic olive oil pasta featuring the delightful combination of fresh basil pesto and plump, succulent shrimp. With just a jar of store-bought basil pesto, you can quickly and easily create a restaurant-worthy pasta dish. Unlike cream or tomato-based sauces, this olive oil pasta offers a unique, rich, and deeply flavorful experience that appeals to everyone. It’s perfect for special occasions or simply elevating an everyday meal!
Key Ingredients- 5 Tbsp Basil Pesto
- 1 serving Spaghetti (approx. 100g)
- 8 fresh Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 5-6 cloves Garlic
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan Cheese
- 4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Dry White Wine (or cooking sake if unavailable)
- Salt to taste (for pasta water and seasoning)
- Freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, to taste (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to season the water well – it should taste like the sea to properly flavor the pasta.
Step 2
Add the spaghetti and cook for about 1 minute less than the package instructions suggest, aiming for an al dente texture. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is crucial for emulsifying the sauce and achieving the perfect consistency.
Step 3
If you’re using homemade basil pesto, prepare it by blending pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. (Skip this step if using store-bought pesto.)
Step 4
Peel and thinly slice the fresh garlic cloves. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to use a bit more than specified. Slice them thinly enough to release flavor but not so thin that they burn easily.
Step 5
Heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and gently sauté until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. This infuses the oil with a wonderful garlic aroma.
Step 6
Once the garlic is fragrant, increase the heat to medium-high and add the prepared shrimp. Sear the shrimp for a couple of minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Don’t overcook them.
Step 7
To enhance the flavor and remove any potential fishiness, deglaze the pan with 1 tablespoon of dry white wine. (If you don’t have white wine, cooking sake is a good substitute.) Let the alcohol evaporate for a moment, then remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside in a separate bowl to maintain their texture.
Step 8
Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet containing the flavorful garlic-infused olive oil. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the oil.
Step 9
Now, add the star ingredient: 5 tablespoons of basil pesto to the pasta. You can adjust the amount of pesto according to your personal preference – add more if you desire a stronger basil flavor.
Step 10
Stir in 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Taste the pasta and add salt as needed to perfect the seasoning. (Remember that pesto and cheese already contain salt, so season carefully.)
Step 11
Add about 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Continue to toss the pasta and sauce over medium heat until the sauce is well combined and coats the noodles beautifully. Turn off the heat and let the pasta rest in the pan for about 1 minute; the residual heat will allow the pasta to absorb the sauce further, deepening the flavor.
Step 12
Using tongs or a fork, twirl the pasta and arrange it neatly in a serving bowl. Top with the reserved cooked shrimp for a beautiful presentation. The vibrant green color and fresh ingredients make this basil pesto shrimp pasta incredibly appetizing. Enjoy your delicious creation!
