Spicy Shrimp Ranch Pesto Pizza Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Spicy Shrimp Ranch Pesto Pizza, featuring a savory blend of fresh spinach pesto infused with Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix. This delicious pizza comes loaded with succulent spicy shrimp, buttery shallots, and gooey mozzarella cheese set on a perfectly baked crust. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this dish offers a delightful balance of spices and creamy textures, turning any ordinary meal into a festive occasion. Easy-to-follow steps make preparation a breeze, ensuring that you can enjoy an unforgettable pizza experience with family or friends in no time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pizza dough
1 (to make one 12-inch pizza)
Raw spinach leaves
1 cup (stems removed)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (divided)
Roasted almonds
2 tablespoons (sliced)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix
1 (1 ounce) packet
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Shredded mozzarella cheese
3 ounces
Shallot
1 large (thinly sliced)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (divided)
Medium raw shrimp
8 ounces (peeled and deveined)
Jerk seasoning
1 teaspoon
Sriracha Asian chili sauce
1 teaspoon
Smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon
Finely grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tablespoon
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone in the middle rack to heat up.
2
2. If using store-bought pizza dough, follow the package instructions; otherwise, prepare your own pizza dough for a 12-inch pizza.
3
3. In a food processor, combine the tightly packed spinach leaves (stems removed), garlic cloves, parmesan cheese, Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, kosher salt, black pepper, sliced almonds, and extra virgin olive oil. Process until the mixture is a smooth puree. Set aside.
4
4. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced shallots and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until they are soft and fragrant. Remove shallots and place them on a paper towel-lined bowl to drain excess oil.
5
5. Pat the shrimp dry and rub them coat with jerk seasoning. In the same skillet, add shrimp and sauté for about 1.5 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and toss them with 1 teaspoon of sriracha. Set aside.
6
6. On a pizza peel, stretch out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Spread 1/3 cup of the Hidden Valley Ranch spinach pesto evenly across the dough.
7
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto layer. Next, arrange the sautéed shallots and jerk-seasoned shrimp on top of the cheese.
8
8. Finish by sprinkling smoked paprika over the pizza for an extra kick.
9
9. Carefully slide the prepared pizza onto the heated pizza stone and bake for 6 to 7 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
10
10. Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle the remaining finely grated parmesan cheese on top, slice it up, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Shrimp Ranch Pesto Pizza Delight?
It is a vibrant pizza featuring a fresh spinach pesto infused with Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix, topped with spicy jerk shrimp, buttery shallots, and mozzarella cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone placed on the middle rack.
How do I make the ranch spinach pesto?
Combine raw spinach leaves, garlic, parmesan, Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, sliced almonds, and olive oil in a food processor and process until smooth.
What size pizza does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make one 12-inch pizza.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough and follow the package instructions, or prepare your own dough from scratch.
What seasoning is used on the shrimp?
The shrimp are rubbed with jerk seasoning and later tossed with sriracha Asian chili sauce.
How long do you cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be sautéed for about 1.5 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
How are the shallots prepared?
The shallots are thinly sliced and sautéed in butter and olive oil for 30 to 45 seconds until soft and fragrant.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses shredded mozzarella cheese and two types of parmesan: grated parmesan for the pesto and finely grated parmesan for the topping.
How long does the pizza need to bake?
The pizza should bake for 6 to 7 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
What kind of nuts are used in the pesto?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sliced roasted almonds.
Is there a specific type of spinach required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of raw spinach leaves with the stems removed.
What kind of shrimp should I buy?
You should use 8 ounces of medium raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
What provides the extra kick of flavor on top of the pizza?
Smoked paprika is sprinkled over the pizza before baking to provide an extra kick.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, divided between the pesto and the sautéing process.
What is the serving suggestion for the finished pizza?
Once removed from the oven, sprinkle with finely grated parmesan cheese, slice, and enjoy immediately.
Should the shrimp be dry before seasoning?
Yes, you should pat the shrimp dry before rubbing them with the jerk seasoning.
Can I make this pizza without a pizza stone?
While a pizza stone is recommended for a crisp crust, you can use a regular baking sheet, though cooking times may vary slightly.
How much mozzarella is used?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much butter is used to sauté the shallots?
One tablespoon of unsalted butter is used for the shallots, as part of the 2 tablespoons total in the recipe.
What kind of garlic is used in the pesto?
The recipe uses 2 peeled garlic cloves.
How much Hidden Valley Ranch mix is needed?
The recipe requires one 1-ounce packet of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix.
When do I add the sriracha?
The sriracha is tossed with the shrimp after they have been sautéed and removed from the skillet.
What is the consistency of the pesto?
The pesto should be a smooth puree.
Should the shallots be drained after cooking?
Yes, place the sautéed shallots on a paper towel-lined bowl to drain any excess oil before adding them to the pizza.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Is the parmesan cheese added at different times?
Yes, 1/4 cup is blended into the pesto, and 1/2 tablespoon is sprinkled over the finished pizza after baking.
How much pesto is applied to the dough?
You should spread 1/3 cup of the ranch spinach pesto evenly across the stretched pizza dough.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients in total, including seasonings and toppings.
What category of meal is this pizza best for?
It is ideal for weeknight dinners, easy family meals, or festive occasions.