Delicious Pesto Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Spinach and Tomatoes
This mouthwatering Pesto Shrimp Pasta is a delightful combination of tender shrimp, whole wheat fusilli, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce. The addition of dry white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the overall flavor, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Ready in under an hour, it's not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients from the spinach and tomatoes. This dish is ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. Serve it alongside crusty garlic bread for a meal everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
438
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
large shrimp
1 lb (peeled, tails-off, deveined, rinsed)
whole wheat fusilli pasta
1 (13.5 ounce) box (cooked according to package instructions)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
yellow onion
1 small (diced)
prepared pesto sauce
1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
dry white wine
1/2 cup (preferably Sauvignon Blanc)
lemon juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
fresh tomatoes
2 cups (halved (cherry or grape))
fresh baby spinach
1 bunch (washed)
sea salt
to taste (as needed)
black pepper
to taste (as needed)
garlic salt
to taste (as needed)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by seasoning the peeled and deveined shrimp with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic salt. Toss to ensure they are evenly coated. Set aside.
2
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously add salt to the water and then add the whole wheat fusilli pasta. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under warm water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3
3. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and slightly curled. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the diced yellow onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become tender and translucent.
5
5. Pour in the dry white wine and lemon juice, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
6
6. Add the prepared pesto sauce to the skillet, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
7
7. Return the cooked shrimp and pasta to the pan, tossing everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
8
8. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the halved cherry or grape tomatoes and the fresh baby spinach. Toss lightly until the spinach wilts slightly and everything is well-coated with the pesto sauce.
9
9. Serve the pasta warm, accompanied by crusty garlic toast for an extra touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
31g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be seared for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly curled.
What type of pasta is used in this pesto shrimp recipe?
This recipe uses a 13.5 ounce box of whole wheat fusilli pasta.
Can I use store-bought pesto sauce?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade prepared pesto sauce for this dish.
What kind of white wine is recommended?
A dry white wine, preferably Sauvignon Blanc, is recommended for deglazing the pan.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta?
There are approximately 438 calories per serving of Delicious Pesto Shrimp Pasta.
Do I need to cook the spinach separately?
No, the fresh baby spinach is folded in at the very end and will wilt slightly from the residual heat of the pasta.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish is high in protein, providing 31g per serving.
Should the shrimp be peeled before cooking?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and have the tails removed before seasoning and cooking.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or extra lemon juice diluted with a bit of water.
How do I season the shrimp?
Season the shrimp with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic salt before searing them in the skillet.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal; they should be halved before being folded into the pasta.
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Yes, while the recipe calls for whole wheat fusilli for extra fiber, regular fusilli or other shapes like penne will work fine.
How long should I cook the pasta?
The whole wheat fusilli should be cooked for 6 to 8 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
This pasta is best served warm alongside crusty garlic bread or garlic toast.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking after boiling?
Rinse the drained pasta under warm water to stop the cooking process before setting it aside.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided between searing the shrimp and sautéing the onions.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the diced yellow onions for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended as it provides a vibrant acidity that enhances the pesto flavor.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 11g of fat.
What size onion is needed?
The recipe requires one small yellow onion, diced.
When should I add the pesto sauce?
The pesto sauce is added to the skillet after simmering the wine and lemon juice, before returning the shrimp and pasta to the pan.
Can I make this dish in under an hour?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be ready in under an hour, making it great for a quick dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients, including seasonings like sea salt and garlic salt.
How much shrimp do I need?
You will need 1 pound of large shrimp for this recipe.
What do I do with the browned bits in the skillet?
Use a spoon to scrape up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan after adding the wine and lemon juice for extra flavor.
Is this dish suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner option because it uses whole wheat pasta, lean protein, and fresh vegetables.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
How much pesto is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of prepared pesto sauce.
What is the best way to clean the spinach?
The spinach should be thoroughly washed to remove any grit and then folded into the pasta at the end.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
While there are no fresh garlic cloves listed, the shrimp is seasoned with garlic salt for flavor.