Aromatic Basil Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti
Aromatic Basil Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti
Homemade Basil Pesto with Fresh Shrimp: The Ultimate ‘Basil Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti’ Recipe
Indulge in the exquisite aroma of basil with this special ‘Basil Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti’! Savor the rich, nutty flavor of homemade pesto combined with plump, succulent shrimp for a truly delightful pasta experience. This recipe is both simple and elegantly satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
For the Basil Pesto- Dried Basil 15g
- Olive Oil 100g
- Grated Parmesan Cheese 30g
- Garlic Cloves 10
- Walnuts 30g (approx. 1/4 cup)
- Kosher Salt 1/2 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the aromatic homemade basil pesto. Prepare 15g of dried basil.
Step 2
Add 30g of grated Parmesan cheese for a fresh, cheesy flavor.
Step 3
Measure out 100g of high-quality olive oil. This will give your pesto a wonderfully smooth texture.
Step 4
The key to delicious pesto! Prepare 10 cloves of garlic. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference. (Tip: Peel the garlic cloves before using.)
Step 5
For a delightful nutty crunch, prepare 30g of walnuts. You can finely chop them using a food processor, a mini mortar and pestle, or by hand with a knife. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform; a little texture is great!
Step 6
Now, combine the dried basil, grated Parmesan, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped walnuts in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and well combined. Add 1/2 tsp of kosher salt and pulse a few more times until everything is evenly incorporated. Your delicious basil pesto is ready! (Tip: Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s also great as a dip for bread or as a salad dressing.)
Step 7
Next, let’s prepare the shrimp. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the 10 large shrimp. Blanch them for 1-2 minutes until they just turn pink. Be careful not to overcook them.
Step 8
Carefully remove the blanched shrimp from the water.
Step 9
Remove the heads and shells from the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for presentation if you like, or remove them entirely.
Step 10
It’s time to cook the pasta! Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a rolling boil, and add the 185g of spaghetti along with a pinch of salt. Cook for approximately 6 minutes. (Tip: For a firmer, al dente texture, cook for about 5 minutes.)
Step 11
While the pasta is cooking, heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add 1/3 of your prepared basil pesto, the 2 finely chopped green chili peppers (if using), and the prepared shrimp. Sauté them together. The green chilies add a lovely spicy kick, so feel free to add more if you enjoy heat.
Step 12
Once the shrimp are cooked through and fragrant, drain the cooked spaghetti and add it directly to the pan with the shrimp and pesto. Add a ladleful or two of the pasta cooking water as you stir and toss, which will help create a creamier sauce.
Step 13
If you’re using 120g of fusilli pasta, cook it similarly to the spaghetti (about 6 minutes), drain, and add it to the pan to toss with the pesto, shrimp, and chilies. The chewy texture of fusilli pairs wonderfully with basil pesto.
Step 14
If you are making the dish solely with fusilli, add the cooked fusilli to the pan at this stage and toss it thoroughly with the basil pesto, green chilies, and shrimp. Your ‘Basil Pesto Shrimp Fusilli’ is ready!
Step 15
If you’re making spaghetti, place the cooked spaghetti on top of the sautéed shrimp and chilies in the pan. Add another 1/3 of your basil pesto. (Tip: You’ll be using about 2/3 of the total pesto amount here. Adjust to your taste.)
Step 16
Toss everything together gently over low heat, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Taste and add a tiny pinch of salt if needed to adjust the seasoning. Your delicious ‘Basil Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti’ is almost complete!
Step 17
Finally, garnish the dish with about 3 servings of sprout salad (or as much as you like). The fresh sprouts add a lovely crispness and vibrant color to the pasta.
Step 18
Your ‘Basil Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti’, featuring fragrant basil pesto and fresh shrimp, is now ready to be enjoyed! Buon appetito!
