Aromatic Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta
Homemade Delight: Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe
Wondering what to make with your store-bought basil pesto? Try this fragrant oil-based basil pesto pasta with shrimp! It’s a simple yet elegant dish that combines the vibrant aroma of basil with fresh, succulent shrimp, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 7 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 200g pasta (about 2 servings)
- 9 peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3-4 tablespoons basil pesto (adjust to taste)
- Olive oil or cooking oil, as needed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your ingredients. Thinly slice 7 cloves of garlic to release their aroma as they cook. Slice 1 medium onion. Peel and devein 9 shrimp.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add 200g of pasta and cook according to package directions, but aim for al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time) as it will cook further in the pan.
Step 3
While the pasta is cooking, heat a generous amount of olive oil or cooking oil in a deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it. Then, add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent.
Step 4
Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet with the garlic and onions. Sauté until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them tough.
Step 5
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and vegetables. Pour in about half a cup of the reserved pasta water to help create a silky sauce.
Step 6
Add 3-4 tablespoons of basil pesto to the skillet. Toss everything together well, ensuring the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the vibrant pesto. You can add more pesto if you prefer a stronger basil flavor.
Step 7
Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Stir-fry for another minute until everything is well combined and heated through. Your delicious Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta is ready to be served immediately!
