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Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp

A luxurious pasta dish combining nutty pistachio pesto, succulent shrimp, and a creamy sauce that delights the taste buds.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne) Use your preferred pasta type.
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios Unsalted for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for garnishing.
  • 1/2 cup olive oil Extra virgin recommended.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or thawed.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Making the Pesto
  1. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, shelled pistachios, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blitz until well combined.
  2. With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
Cooking the Shrimp
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir in the reserved pasta water, then add the pesto mixture to the skillet. Mix well, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  2. Toss in the drained pasta and cooked shrimp. Stir to coat everything in the creamy pesto. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting it warm through.
Serving
  1. Divide the creamy pistachio pesto pasta with shrimp among plates, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

If you don't have pistachios, feel free to use walnuts or almonds. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to prevent a rubbery texture. Always reserve some pasta water for sauce adjustment. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave with a splash of water.