Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp over pesto pasta garnished with basil.

5 from 1 vote

A creamy pesto shrimp pasta served with farfalle. The perfect quick dish with a delicious homemade pesto. This creamy sauce is a great way to use up some of that basil from your garden!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Calories: 874kcal

Author: Vincent DelGiudice

Cost: $20

Equipment

food processor
large sauce pan

Ingredients

1.5 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb farfalle
2 tablespoon garlic, minced
3-4 tablespoon olive oil
1 tsp salt

For the Pesto

3 cups basil
2 cloves garlic, whole
½ cup raw pistachios
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup EVOO

Instructions

For the Pesto

Combine garlic, pistachios, salt, and basil in a food processor and pulse until well combined. Add lemon juice and then slowly add in EVOO until you reach a smooth consistency. Then add the parmesan cheese.

Shrimp and Pasta

Marinate shrimp with 2 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and minced garlic in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour.
Remove the shrimp from the fridge. In a large saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp on both sides for 60-90 seconds in batches and then set aside.
In a medium pot, bring water to a boil for the pasta. Boil the pasta until 1 minute before al dente as directed on the package. Save the pasta water.
In the same large saucepan, lower the heat to medium-low. Add ½ a cup of the starchy pasta water to the pan. Then return the shrimp to the pan along with the strained farfalle. Add the pesto and combine everything. Continue to add more pasta water to reach a creamy texture. Remove from the heat and serve.

Notes

1. Adding the pasta water to the pasta with pesto will make the pesto more of a creamy sauce. This is exactly what you want when it comes to a dish like this.
2. When searing the shrimp you want to get a good sear but avoid overcooking it. Make sure the pan is hot. Don't overcrowd the pan with too much shrimp.
3. If you're looking for pesto recipes try either of ours: Pistachio Pesto or Pea Pesto.

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