### Fresh Shrimp Pesto Pasta: A Fast and Tasty Dinner
This shrimp pesto pasta is a delicious meal that can be whipped up in just 20 minutes. With pan-seared shrimp, succulent grape tomatoes, and vibrant basil pesto, it’s a straightforward yet savory dinner choice that your family will enjoy.
#### Flavor Profile
The mix of succulent shrimp, lively pesto, and slightly charred tomatoes delivers a fresh and tasty experience in every bite. The dish is not only appetizing but also visually stunning, making it ideal for any dinner setting.
#### Why It Works
Cooking the shrimp and tomatoes independently is essential for keeping the shrimp tender while letting the tomatoes enhance their sweetness. This technique avoids a watery sauce, guaranteeing a rich flavor.
#### Cooking Technique
Blistering the tomatoes boosts their inherent sweetness and adds complexity to the dish, maintaining the overall flavors fresh and uncomplicated.
#### Recommended Tools
– **Large Skillet:** For skillet-cooking the shrimp.
– **Pot:** For boiling the pasta.
#### Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to choose your preferred pasta shape or swap shrimp with chicken, scallops, crab, or lobster for a new twist.
### What You’ll Need:
– **Spaghetti:** Regular or whole wheat spaghetti is suitable, or you can opt for long pasta like linguine or fettuccine.
– **Shrimp:** Fresh or frozen medium shrimp work well. For ease, buy peeled and deveined shrimp.
– **Grape Tomatoes:** Blistering these over high heat enhances their sweetness. Cherry tomatoes are also a great alternative.
– **Pesto:** Both homemade and store-bought pesto are appropriate. If opting for store-bought, choose one made with real basil and olive oil.
– **Parmesan Cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and boosts flavor.
– **Seasonings:** Keep it straightforward with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Optional: add red pepper flakes for spice and finish with fresh basil.
### From Start to Finish
This recipe is quick, so having all ingredients prepped ahead of time is advisable.
1. **Cook Pasta:** Boil pasta until al dente and save some cooking water.
2. **Prepare Shrimp:** Season and sear shrimp, then set aside.
3. **Blister Tomatoes:** Cook tomatoes until they begin to blister, then remove from heat.
4. **Combine:** Mix pasta with pesto and incorporate shrimp back in, garnishing with Parmesan and fresh basil.
### Tips for Success
– Pat the shrimp dry prior to cooking for a great sear.
– Incorporate pesto off the heat to keep its vibrant color and flavor.
– If the pesto is thick, thin it with warm pasta water for better coating.
– Cook shrimp for about a minute per side; they are done when they become pink and curl into a C shape.
### Leftovers Made Easy
Store shrimp separately in an airtight container for up to 4 days. While leftovers can be combined, freezing is not advisable. Pesto may darken in the fridge but will still taste fantastic. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary.
### Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories:** 702
– **Carbohydrates:** 73g
– **Protein:** 39g
– **Fat:** 28g
– **Saturated Fat:** 5g
– **Cholesterol:** 192mg
– **Sodium:** 981mg
– **Potassium:** 786mg
– **Fiber:** 5g
– **Sugar:** 7g
This shrimp pesto pasta is not only swift and easy to make but also bursting with flavor, earning it a spot as a perfect option for a weeknight dinner. Savor your delicious creation!