Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta: A Burst of Freshness
Create a Delicious Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta Overflowing with Flavor
Indulge in this delightful Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta, generously packed with succulent shrimp. The aromatic blend of basil and garlic, with a hint of spice and abundant shrimp, creates a truly memorable dish. It’s a sophisticated pasta that brings the feeling of a fine dining experience right to your home.
Ingredients
- Pasta (for 2 servings)
- Salt 1 tsp (for boiling pasta)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Basil pesto 4 Tbsp
- Peperoncino 3 (or dried chili peppers)
- Frozen shrimp 16 (medium size)
- Olive oil 2 Tbsp
- Butter 10g
- Salt 2 pinches (for sautéing shrimp)
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thaw the frozen shrimp. Once thawed, rinse them gently under cold water and pat them dry. Peel the shells, leaving the tail on if desired for presentation, and ensure they are well-drained.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp of salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta. Cook for approximately 6 minutes, or until al dente (slightly firm to the bite), as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3
About 2 minutes before the pasta is done boiling, begin preparing the sauce. Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil and 10g of butter in a preheated frying pan over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and 3 torn peperoncino (or dried chilies) to infuse the oil.
Step 4
Sauté the garlic and chili peppers until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the thawed shrimp to the pan and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Season with 2 pinches of salt and a dash of black pepper, then toss to combine.
Step 5
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, drain the pasta and add it directly to the pan with the shrimp. Generously add 4 Tbsp of basil pesto. Stir and sauté everything together for about 2 minutes, allowing the pesto to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly. You can add a tablespoon or two of the pasta cooking water to create a silkier sauce.
Step 6
Turn off the heat. Add 2 Tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese and stir well to incorporate. The residual heat will melt the cheese and help bind the sauce to the pasta.
Step 7
Transfer the finished pasta to serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Your delicious and fragrant Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta is now ready to be enjoyed!
