Description
This Easy & Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining the nutty richness of pistachios with fresh basil and tender shrimp. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Pesto
- 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Additional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Pesto Base: While the pasta cooks, add pistachios, fresh basil leaves, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- Blend the Pesto: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside the finished pesto.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat once cooked.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl or back into the pot. Toss with the pistachio pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the pesto-coated pasta. Add lemon juice if you want a fresh, citrusy brightness.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired for a touch of heat.
Notes
- Use unsalted pistachios to control the salt level in the pesto.
- If pasta water isn’t fully needed, add gradually to reach desired pesto consistency.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness.
- Red pepper flakes add a pleasant spicy contrast but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
