Imagine a pizza that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure that transforms your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. This Shrimp and Pesto Pizza with Goat Cheese is about to revolutionize your pizza night, combining the bold, herbaceous notes of fresh pesto, succulent shrimp, and the creamy tang of goat cheese into one irresistible masterpiece. Get ready to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This ensures that your pizza crust will be crispy and golden brown once baked.
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all the ingredients: pre-made pizza crust, pesto, cooked shrimp, goat cheese, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
- Place the pre-made pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. If using a baking sheet, consider lining it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Spread 1/4 cup of pesto evenly over the surface of each pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Evenly distribute 1/2 cup of cooked shrimp on top of the pesto on each pizza. Make sure the shrimp are spread out to ensure every bite has shrimp.
- Sprinkle 2 oz of crumbled goat cheese over each pizza, allowing the creamy texture of the goat cheese to complement the shrimp and pesto.
- Add 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the goat cheese for a delicious melty layer.
- Transfer the pizzas to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Once baked, carefully remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two.
- Garnish each pizza with fresh basil leaves, tearing them gently to release their aroma and flavor.
- Slice the pizzas into wedges and serve immediately, enjoying the delightful combination of shrimp, pesto, and goat cheese.
Tips
- Choose high-quality, pre-cooked shrimp to save time and ensure consistent texture.
- For extra crispiness, brush the pizza crust edges with olive oil before baking.
- If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes for the crispiest crust possible.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings - a light, balanced approach ensures even cooking.
- Fresh basil is key: tear it just before garnishing to maximize its aromatic flavor.
- Let the pizza rest for 1-2 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make slicing easier.
- For a gourmet touch, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 180mg
