Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound of pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking shrimp
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and shrimp. Toss until everything is well coated.
5. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne or fusilli.
- If you don't have pine nuts, you can use walnuts or almonds instead.
- You can use frozen shrimp instead of fresh.
Variations:
- You can add some cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor.
- You can use chicken instead of shrimp.
- You can add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the shrimp until they are pink and cooked through, but not overcooked.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. You can use it to thin out the pesto sauce if it's too thick.
- Toast the pine nuts before using them in the pesto for extra flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or some garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pesto sauce is too thick, add some pasta water to thin it out.
- If the shrimp is overcooked, it will become rubbery and tough.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the shrimp until it's pink and cooked through to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy in the 16th century.
Flavor profiles:
- The dish is savory, garlicky, and nutty.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pasta hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian