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To truly appreciate the Pesto Shrimp Pasta Delight, it’s essential to understand the core ingredients that bring this dish to life. Each component not only contributes to the overall flavor but also packs a nutritional punch, making this dish a wholesome choice for a variety of dietary preferences.

Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Experience the delightful fusion of flavors in Pesto Shrimp Pasta Delight! This quick and satisfying meal combines succulent shrimp, vibrant pesto, and comforting pasta for a gourmet dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. The magic lies in fresh ingredients like basil, protein-packed shrimp, and rich Parmesan, making it both nutritious and visually appealing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress both novice cooks and culinary pros alike! Enjoy the ease of preparation while savoring a delightful balance of taste and health.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/3 cup pine nuts (toasted)

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

    Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until coarsely blended. While pulsing, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

      Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat.

        Combine Ingredients: In the same pot you cooked the pasta, add the drained pasta and pesto. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water gradually if you want a creamier consistency. Gently fold in the sautéed shrimp and halved cherry tomatoes.

          Serve: Plate the pesto shrimp pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings