Dive into a culinary adventure with our mouthwatering Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Shrimp Pasta! This vibrant Italian dish combines succulent shrimp, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic pesto, all tossed with your favorite pasta for a meal that’s both quick and indulgent. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta of choice
- 400g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a light golden color. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add pesto to the skillet. Stir to combine and warm through.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. If the sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine and reheat.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always salt your boiling water generously; it enhances the flavor of the pasta. Aim for al dente texture for the best bite!
- Searing Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are dry before cooking; this helps achieve that beautiful golden sear. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
- Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta water is a secret weapon! Use it to adjust the sauce's consistency, ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Freshness Matters: For an extra burst of flavor, consider garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. It adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish!
- Cheese Please: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan! Freshly grated cheese not only enhances flavor but also adds a delightful creaminess to each bite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 443kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 83mg
