Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Delight
Indulge in this creamy pesto sauce that elevates any pasta to a gourmet level. Perfectly marrying the rich flavors of fresh garlic, shallots, and aromatic pesto, this sauce comes alive when paired with your choice of pasta, especially delicate strands of capellini, hearty penne, or luscious fettuccine. For a complete dish, consider adding succulent shrimp or flavorful crawfish. Serve alongside a crisp green salad and warm, buttery French bread for a delightful meal experience. This recipe reflects a homecooked charm with a hint of sophistication, perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests. Plus, making your own pesto and storing it in ice cube trays ensures you always have the freshness at hand. Enjoy every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shallots
2 ( minced)
Garlic cloves
4-5 ( minced)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons
Chicken broth
1 cup
Dry white wine
1 cup
Pesto sauce
2-4 tablespoons
Heavy cream
1 cup
Parmesan cheese
1 cup ( freshly grated)
Kosher salt
to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts.
2
Add the minced shallots and garlic to the skillet. Sauté gently until they become soft and fragrant, being cautious not to let the garlic burn.
3
Pour in the dry white wine and chicken broth, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4
Allow the mixture to simmer, reducing it by half while stirring occasionally to enhance the flavors.
5
Once reduced, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, mixing until well incorporated.
6
Gradually add 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Repeat with another 1/4 cup of cheese until fully integrated.
7
Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add the pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat.
8
To finish, accent the dish with the remaining Parmesan cheese, garnishing to your liking.
9
Serve hot and enjoy your delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Delight.
What types of pasta are recommended for this recipe?
Delicate strands of capellini, hearty penne, or luscious fettuccine are recommended.
Which proteins can be added to this pasta?
You can add succulent shrimp or flavorful crawfish to this dish.
How many shallots are needed and how should they be prepared?
The recipe requires 2 minced shallots.
How many garlic cloves are used in the sauce?
You should use 4 to 5 minced garlic cloves.
What fats are used to sauté the garlic and shallots?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What liquids form the base of the sauce reduction?
The sauce reduction uses 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of dry white wine.
How much pesto sauce should be added?
You can add between 2 to 4 tablespoons of pesto sauce depending on your preference.
How much heavy cream is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of heavy cream.
What type of cheese is used and in what quantity?
The recipe uses 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How should the Parmesan cheese be incorporated?
Gradually add 1/4 cup at a time, stirring until melted and creamy before adding more.
What kind of salt and pepper are recommended?
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are recommended to taste.
How much should the wine and broth mixture be reduced?
The mixture should be allowed to simmer until it is reduced by half.
What is a good tip for keeping pesto fresh?
You can make your own pesto and store it in ice cube trays to ensure freshness is always at hand.
What side dishes are suggested for this meal?
It is suggested to serve the pasta with a crisp green salad and warm, buttery French bread.
How do you begin the cooking process?
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts.
What should you watch out for when sautéing the garlic?
Be cautious not to let the garlic burn while sautéing it with the shallots.
When should the pesto and cream be added to the skillet?
Add the heavy cream and pesto sauce after the wine and broth have reduced and the heat has been lowered.
How do you combine the pasta with the sauce?
Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet, tossing well to coat it in the sauce.
How should the dish be garnished?
Finish the dish by accenting it with the remaining Parmesan cheese to your liking.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, pesto, cream sauce, shrimp, Italian cuisine, and comfort food.
Is the wine used in the recipe dry or sweet?
The recipe specifically calls for dry white wine.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
The recipe recommends freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting results.
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What is the suggested heat level for sautéing?
Sautéing should be done over medium heat.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is described as having a hint of sophistication perfect for entertaining guests.
What is the preparation required for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the skillet.
Should the pasta be rinsed after draining?
No, simply drain the pasta and add it directly to the sauce to ensure it coats well.
How is the flavor profile described?
It is described as a gourmet experience marrying fresh garlic, shallots, and aromatic pesto.