Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Pesto Shrimp Pasta
A vibrant, flavorful masterpiece that blends fresh herbs, the richness of nuts, and the tender sweetness of shrimp into a dish that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.
When my cousin comes to visit, it’s like our home takes a deep, delicious breath—filling the air with excitement and the mouthwatering aroma of something we’ve come to treasure: his Pesto Shrimp Pasta. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. A vibrant, flavorful masterpiece that blends fresh herbs, the richness of nuts, and the tender sweetness of shrimp into a dish that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Today, I’m thrilled to share his recipe with you, along with the memories that make it extra special.
The Sauce: The Pesto
The heart of this dish is the pesto—a green, velvety sauce packed with bold flavors. My cousin has a unique twist on the classic recipe, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer:
Pine Nuts or Cashews: Both work wonders, but cashews lend a softer, creamier texture that’s irresistible.
Garlic: Just a clove, to add that perfect pop of boldness without overpowering.
Rosemary and Chives: These give the pesto an herbaceous depth that’s unexpected but delightful.
Basil: The star of any pesto, bringing that fresh, slightly peppery zing.
Parmesan: Adds a rich, savory note that ties everything together.
Olive Oil: Liquid gold that emulsifies the pesto, making it silky smooth.
Salt and Pepper: To season and elevate all the flavors.
The Main Ingredient: Prawns
The prawns are the star of the show, and they shine brightly in this dish:
Small Prawns, Diced: Sweet, tender, and perfect for soaking up all the flavors of the sauce.
Chili and Garlic: Just the right amount of heat and aroma to complement the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
White Wine: Adds a splash of acidity and depth, lifting the flavors to new heights.
Butter: For that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth finish that feels oh-so indulgent.
The Secret Sauce: Emulsification
Here’s where the magic happens: When the pesto meets the hot pasta water, it transforms into a smooth, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. This step isn’t just technical; it’s pure alchemy.
The Ritual
Making this dish with my cousin is a tradition as cherished as the meal itself. We catch up on life, laugh over old stories, and add new ones to the mix while the prawns sizzle and the pasta bubbles away. It’s more than cooking—it’s a shared moment of connection.
Plating the Love
When it’s time to plate, it feels like presenting a work of art. The bright green pesto, golden prawns, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a way that’s almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.
A Recipe for Joy
This Pesto Shrimp Pasta isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory, a celebration of family, and proof that food has the power to bring us together. Every bite carries a little piece of the love and laughter that went into making it. I hope it brings the same warmth to your table as it does to ours. Enjoy!
Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pesto (2-4 servings):
50g pine nuts or cashew nuts
1 garlic clove
5g rosemary
5g chives
50g basil
50g parmesan cheese, grated
120g olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Small Prawns:
180g prawns, diced
Finely diced chili (to taste)
½ garlic clove, finely grated
Splash of white wine
25g butter
Additional:
Pasta of your choice (amount as per package instructions for 2-4 servings)
Pasta water (reserved)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water to emulsify the pesto later. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Make the Pesto:
In a food processor, blend the pine nuts or cashew nuts, 1 garlic clove, rosemary, chives, basil, and grated parmesan until coarsely chopped.
While the processor is running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If the pesto is too thick, add a little pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Cook the Prawns:
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the diced prawns, finely diced chili, and grated garlic. Sauté until the prawns start to turn pink.
Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
Stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and form a silky sauce that coats the prawns. Remove from heat once the prawns are cooked through.
4. Combine:
Return the cooked pasta to the pan over low heat. Add the pesto and toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to ensure the sauce clings to the pasta beautifully.
Add the cooked prawns to the pasta and gently toss to combine, ensuring the prawns are evenly distributed.
5. Serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of grated parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves if desired.
Enjoy your beautifully creamy and flavorful Pesto Shrimp Pasta, a dish that promises to delight the senses and bring a touch of gourmet to your dining table.
xo,
mc
