Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, where succulent shrimp meet crisp zucchini, all embraced by the vibrant, aromatic basil pesto. This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create in just 30 minutes. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet weeknight dinner, this Shrimp Zucchini and Basil Pesto Pasta is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced zucchini and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender and lightly golden.
- Push zucchini to one side of the skillet and add shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add the basil pesto and reserved pasta water, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the sautéed zucchini and shrimp to the pasta. Gently toss everything together to combine and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Pat your shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Cook zucchini just until it's slightly tender to maintain a fresh, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft pasta.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the zucchini slices to bring out their natural sweetness before adding the shrimp.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly - about 2-3 minutes per side.
- For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. For a richer version, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 150mg
