Description
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender medium shrimp with a fresh basil walnut pesto, tossed with al dente spaghetti. Ready in just 30 minutes, it balances the rich buttery garlic shrimp with the bright, herbaceous pesto sauce for a satisfying and elegant meal perfect for any weeknight or dinner gathering.
Ingredients
For the Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (about 1 1/2 ounces)
- 1 large clove garlic
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- 2 ounces grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti (or other long, thin pasta)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Make the Pesto: Combine the basil leaves, garlic clove, chopped walnuts, grated parmesan, and salt in a food processor. Pulse in short bursts until the mixture is finely minced, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Transfer the pesto to a clean bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes or according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it sizzles. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove skillet from heat.
- Finish the Dish: Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add the drained pasta, pesto, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently to combine and heat through. Add more pasta water gradually if the sauce seems dry until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a nuttier pesto, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the food processor.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the dish.
- If fresh basil is not available, you may substitute with frozen basil, though fresh is preferred for best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is key for loosening the pesto sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best taste and melting quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
