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Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 510
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup basil pesto, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Lemon wedges and grated Parmesan for serving

Method
 

  1. Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Pat shrimp dry, season with half the salt and pepper, sear in hot oil 2 minutes per side until pink and curled, then remove.
  3. Lower heat, sauté garlic 30 seconds, then add it to the shrimp. Toss pasta with pesto and a splash of pasta water until glossy.
  4. Return shrimp and juices to pasta, toss, season with remaining salt and red pepper flakes, and serve with Parmesan and lemon.

Notes

The pasta water is your friend here. Add it a tablespoon at a time until the pesto loosens to a silky consistency that coats the noodles. If the shrimp are smaller than large, reduce the sear time slightly so they do not overcook.