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Quick Pesto Shrimp Pasta That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

A quick and delicious pesto shrimp pasta recipe that is ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine or gluten-free pasta or rice noodles
For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp large, fresh or frozen
For the Pesto Sauce
  • 1 cup fresh basil pesto homemade or store-bought
For Extra Flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
For Serving
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet.
  4. Combine Pasta with Pesto: Lower heat, add drained pasta to skillet with leftover oil. Stir in pesto and Parmesan, then add reserved pasta water until creamy.
  5. Bring it Together: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, mix well, and adjust seasoning. Cook for another minute.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Take off heat and serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and chopped herbs.

Notes

This dish can be adapted for a vegetarian option by swapping shrimp for sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.