Creamy Pesto Shrimp
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Thaw frozen shrimp if needed and pat dry.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add shrimp to the skillet; cook until pink and opaque (approximately 3-4 minutes per side).
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in pesto, letting it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese; stir continuously until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- 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.