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Quick Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe With Cherry Tomatoes Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy creamy pesto shrimp pasta with cherry tomatoes that cooks shrimp gently in the sauce for tender, flavorful results. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
  3. Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream and pesto. Stir gently to coat the shrimp. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
  4. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until tomatoes soften but hold their shape.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet with shrimp and sauce. Toss gently to combine. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired creamy consistency is reached.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking; they turn pink quickly. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use moderate heat to keep shrimp tender. Substitute chicken for shrimp or gluten-free pasta as needed. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan pesto.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto shrimp pasta, creamy pesto pasta, shrimp pasta recipe, cherry tomato pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/quick-creamy-pesto-shrimp-pasta-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-perfect/