As the weather warms up and fresh produce becomes more abundant, it’s the perfect time to explore light and flavorful dishes that celebrate the season. One such dish is Pesto Shrimp Asparagus Pasta. This recipe combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of homemade pesto with succulent shrimp and crisp asparagus, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a delightful, easy-to-make meal that brings a taste of spring to your table.
Ingredients
For the Pesto
- ½ cup pine nuts
- 2 ounces fresh basil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
For the Pasta
- 10 ounces dry spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- ¾ pound of jumbo shrimp, with shells and veins removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and washed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Making the Pesto
- Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until thoroughly smooth, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides of the container.
Preparing the Pasta
- Prepare the Pasta : Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the dry spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the shrimp in the skillet and sauté until they become pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp from the skillet to a plate and set them aside.
- Sauté the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the trimmed asparagus and sauté until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Take the asparagus out of the skillet and set it aside.
- Combine and Simmer: Lower the heat to medium, and pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes, then add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Mix Everything Together: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, asparagus, and pesto to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Pesto Shrimp Asparagus Pasta is a beautiful and delicious dish that brings the essence of spring to your dinner table. The combination of fresh basil pesto, tender shrimp, and crisp asparagus, all tied together with creamy pasta, creates a meal that’s both satisfying and light. This recipe is not only perfect for a family dinner but also impressive enough to serve to guests. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and delightful textures of this seasonal pasta dish!