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shrimp pesto pasta recipe best easy fast Italian seafood

Shrimp Pesto Pasta

A delicious pairing of shrimp, pesto, and pasta, if you're a seafood and Italian food fan, this Shrimp Pesto Pasta is sure to be a total hit!
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
 
 

  • 10 ounces uncooked spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound large shrimp , deveined (remove or leave the tails on according to preference), if frozen thaw completely
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • 2/3 cup basil pesto
  • basil leaves , for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta in generously salted water until al dente (around 7-8 minutes). Drain the pasta but first reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  • While the pasta is cooking: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and place them in a bowl. Add the onion and garlic powder, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and add the shrimp and the minced garlic. Cook the shrimp on each side for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, adding the lemon zest towards the end. Be careful not to over-cook the shrimp. Remove and set aside.
  • Add the hot pasta, the pesto, a squeeze of lemon juice, and about 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta water. Use tongs to toss the pasta until well combined and the sauce takes on a creamy texture, adding a little more of the pasta water if needed. Taste and add more salt if desired. Top with the cooked shrimp, a few basil leaves for garnish, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 459kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 11gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 682mgPotassium: 174mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 835IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 1mg
Course Entree, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
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