Pasta with Pesto and Shrimp

Pasta with Pesto and Shrimp combines the vibrant flavors of fresh basil pesto with succulent shrimp, creating a delightful dish that's both simple and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will impress your taste buds with its fresh ingredients and rich taste.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 200 grams
• Shrimp (peeled and deveined) - 200 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 1 cup (packed)
• Pine nuts - 2 tablespoons
• Parmesan cheese (grated) - 30 grams
• Garlic (minced) - 1 clove
• Olive oil - 4 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp, along with the prepared pesto. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 150 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from shrimp, supporting muscle health.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, promoting heart health.

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