Description
This Pesto Shrimp Asparagus Pasta combines fresh, spring-inspired ingredients for a vibrant and flavorful dish. With tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and creamy pesto sauce, it’s a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe captures the essence of spring in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pesto:
- ½ cup pine nuts
- 2 ounces fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
For the Pasta:
- 10 ounces dry spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- ¾ pound jumbo shrimp, 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
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Make the Pesto:
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
- In a food processor, combine toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
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Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté the Shrimp:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
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Cook the Asparagus:
- In the same skillet, sauté the asparagus for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium and pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they soften slightly.
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Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, asparagus, and prepared pesto to the skillet. Toss until everything is well combined and heated through.
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Serve and Garnish:
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh basil for the pesto and good-quality Parmesan for the best results.
- Alternative Nuts: If pine nuts are unavailable, substitute with walnuts or almonds.
- Save Pasta Water: Reserve some starchy pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired