30-Minute Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Experience the comforting flavors of 30-Minute Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta, a dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, creamy pesto sauce and al dente pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is quick to prepare yet indulgent enough to impress your family or guests. With vibrant colors and a delightful aroma, every bite is a taste of culinary bliss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 lb large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- 4. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, combine heavy cream and pesto sauce, stirring until well mixed. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- 5. Combine: Return shrimp to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything in sauce.
- 6. Serve: Plate the dish and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, mix in vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. - Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variations. - Adjust the amount of pesto based on your flavor preference.