Creamy Pesto Pasta With Shrimp

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Shrimp is a luxurious dish that marries the vibrant flavors of homemade basil pesto with succulent shrimp and creamy pasta. The basil pesto, made fresh with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, lends a fragrant and herbaceous base to the dish. Combined with a rich cream reduction and a touch of citrusy lemon juice, this pasta is both indulgent and refreshing.

Tossed with perfectly cooked shrimp and topped with additional Parmesan, it’s a dish that promises to delight with every bite. Ideal for a special dinner or gathering, this recipe showcases the harmony of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors, making it a standout on any table.

Creamy Pesto Pasta With Shrimp

Ingredients:

BASIL PESTO

4 cups fresh basil (packed)

4 cloves fresh garlic, roughly chopped

1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted in a dry pan over low-medium heat until lightly golden

3/4 cup EVOO

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

CREAMY PESTO PASTA WITH SHRIMP

1 pound dried (bite sized) pasta such as penne or farfalle (we used cavatappi)

2 cups cream

1 cup freshly grated parmesan (or pecorino romano, or some combination of the two)

1 cup freshly made pesto

35-40 medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined

Juice of half a lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

BASIL PESTO

Place washed and dried basil in the bowl of a food processor with a liberal pinch of salt, the pine nuts and the garlic. Run processor until the basil if finely minced, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed. Once the ingredients are uniformly chopped, and the pesto looks homogenous, add the oil through the feed tube with the machine still running.

Pour the pesto into a bowl, and finish by stirring in the grated cheese, lemon juice (if used), and finally check for seasoning.

CREAMY PESTO PASTA WITH SHRIMP

Place cream in a saute pan large enough to hold the pasta once it is cooked, and set it over medium heat to reduce by about 1/3, to about 1 1/3 cups.

Grate 1 cup of parmesan cheese and reserve.

Measure out 1 cup of the fresh pesto and set aside.

Cook pasta as recommended by the maker. When it is almost finished cooking, scoop out about a cup of the cooking liquid and reserve in case you need it to lighten your final cream sauce.

When cooked, drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the cream, add in the pesto, the shrimp, and cheese and stir well to combine.

Cook gently over a low-medium heat while tasting for seasoning and adjust as necessary.

If the sauce thickens too much for your liking, add a bit of the reserved cooking liquid to hydrate it a bit.

Finish with a squeeze of half a lemon, and spoon into a large pre-warmed bowl for family style serving.

Top with some small fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Notes:

Basil Pesto Preparation:

Toasting pine nuts: Toasting pine nuts enhances their flavor and adds a nutty aroma to the pesto.

Adjusting consistency: Add olive oil gradually to achieve the desired texture of the pesto, ensuring it’s well blended and smooth.

Seasoning: Taste the pesto after mixing in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice (if using) to adjust salt and pepper to taste. Pesto should be vibrant and balanced in flavor.

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Shrimp:

Cream reduction: Reduce cream by about one-third to thicken and concentrate its flavor before adding pasta.

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Cheese selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan or a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for a robust cheesy flavor in the sauce.

Pasta cooking technique: Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick after combining with the cream and pesto.

Shrimp preparation: Ensure shrimp are peeled, deveined, and cooked just until pink and opaque to maintain their tender texture.

Sauce seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice to balance flavors after combining all ingredients.

Final Assembly and Serving:

Warm serving bowl: Pre-warm the serving bowl to maintain the dish’s temperature and enhance presentation.

Garnish: Use small fresh basil leaves to garnish the pasta for a fresh herbal aroma and visual appeal.

Cooking Tips:

Manage heat: Cook the pasta and shrimp gently over low-medium heat to prevent the cream sauce from curdling and ensure even distribution of flavors.

Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce with reserved pasta water for a creamy and cohesive dish.

Variations:

Protein substitution: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a different twist.

Dietary considerations: Adjust ingredients like cream and cheese amounts based on dietary preferences or restrictions.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making fresh basil pesto?

Yes, you can substitute with store-bought pesto to save time.

Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

What can I use instead of pine nuts in the basil pesto?

You can substitute pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a different flavor profile.

How do I toast pine nuts properly?

Toast pine nuts in a dry pan over low-medium heat, stirring frequently until they are lightly golden and fragrant.

Be careful not to burn them.

Can I use a different type of pasta besides penne or farfalle?

Yes, you can use any bite-sized pasta such as rigatoni, fusilli, or shells.

Choose a shape that holds sauce well.

What should I do if the cream sauce becomes too thick?

Add reserved pasta cooking liquid a little at a time to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.

How long should I cook the shrimp?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the calorie content?

Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish, but note that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

How should I store leftovers of Creamy Pesto Pasta with Shrimp?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I serve with Creamy Pesto Pasta with Shrimp?

Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Can I freeze Creamy Pesto Pasta with Shrimp?

It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

It’s best enjoyed fresh.