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Creamy Shrimp Pesto Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp and rich pesto, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
Shrimp Ingredients
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Shrimp
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir in the pesto until well combined. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and about 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, adding more water as needed for a creamy consistency.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For shrimp substitutes, consider grilled chicken, scallops, or a medley of vegetables for a vegetarian version. Prep ingredients before cooking to multitask efficiently, and taste pasta frequently to ensure it's perfectly al dente.