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Creamy Pesto Shrimp Asparagus Pasta

Creamy Pesto Shrimp Asparagus Pasta for Effortless Elegance

This Creamy Pesto Shrimp Asparagus Pasta combines shrimp and asparagus in a luscious basil pesto sauce, perfect for elegant weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta (penne or rotini)
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Essential for sautéing
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Add at the end for brightness
For the Protein & Vegetables
  • 1 pound Shrimp (large, peeled, and deveined)
  • 1 bunch Asparagus Cut into 2-inch pieces
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Substitute with red pepper flakes for heat
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated, use nutritional yeast for dairy-free option

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add seasoned shrimp and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
  3. In the same skillet, add asparagus and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Return the shrimp to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss everything together.
  5. Stir in basil pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water to coat all ingredients.
  6. Finish by adding Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, stirring until creamy.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheat gently on the stovetop.

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