Irresistible Creamy Pesto Shrimp Recipe for Dinner Bliss

The moment you take a bite of creamy pesto shrimp, it’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth. Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious, vibrant green pesto sauce that dances with garlic and fresh basil. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, tempting everyone nearby to come closer and perhaps beg for a taste.

This dish brings back memories of warm summer nights spent with friends, gathering around the dinner table while laughter fills the air. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a celebration with loved ones, creamy pesto shrimp is sure to impress and leave everyone craving more. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience that will have you dreaming about this delightful dish long after the last bite.

I still remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their delighted faces were worth every bit of effort I put into preparing it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking.

• Pesto Sauce: Store-bought works great, but homemade adds an extra layer of flavor.

• Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its dreamy consistency; half-and-half can be used if you’re looking to cut calories.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated finely for optimal melting; use fresh cheese whenever possible for superior flavor.

• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the overall taste; choose extra virgin for the best result.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together beautifully; adjust to your personal taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make creamy pesto shrimp

Prep Your Shrimp: Begin by thawing your shrimp if frozen; rinse them under cold water until they feel firm and ready to cook. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute—careful not to let it brown too much as it can become bitter.

Add Shrimp: Toss in your prepared shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque—approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. Enjoy that enticing aroma filling your kitchen!

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir in pesto sauce until well combined. Allow it to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, letting those beautiful flavors meld together seamlessly.

Toss with Cheese: Add grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce while stirring continuously until melted and incorporated into that heavenly mixture. Season lightly with salt and pepper according to your preference.

Serve Up: Serve your creamy pesto shrimp over pasta or rice; garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every single bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the shrimp in olive oil until they turn pink, then add garlic and cream. This order ensures everything cooks evenly and flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or veggies if you want a different flavor profile. Adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach can enhance the dish’s color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat to maintain creaminess.

Cooking this creamy pesto shrimp takes me back to my first dinner party where I nervously served this dish—it was a hit! Friends still rave about it years later.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for creamy pesto shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them properly before cooking to ensure even cooking.

What kind of pasta pairs well with creamy pesto shrimp?

Fettuccine or linguine complements the creamy sauce wonderfully and adds heartiness.

How can I make the recipe lighter?

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less cheese to reduce calories.

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Creamy Pesto Shrimp

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Creamy pesto shrimp is a delightful dish that brings vibrant flavors and a touch of elegance to any meal. This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp enveloped in a rich, green pesto sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish will leave your guests raving long after the last bite.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Thaw frozen shrimp if needed and pat dry.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add shrimp to the skillet; cook until pink and opaque (approximately 3-4 minutes per side).
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir in pesto, letting it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add grated Parmesan cheese; stir continuously until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve over pasta or rice, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or vegetables for a different twist. Enhance flavor by adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach. For lighter versions, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.