Creamy Pesto Shrimp
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Creamy Pesto Shrimp recipe that combines tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp with a luscious, garlicky pesto cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings yet elegant enough for entertaining. The delicate balance of fresh basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of heavy cream creates an ultra-rich sauce that coats every bite of succulent shrimp. Optional cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and vibrant color, while fresh basil makes for a beautiful garnish. Pair it with your favorite pasta or fluffy rice to complete this quick, flavorful meal that will wow any seafood lover.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional garnish)
- 4 cups cooked pasta or rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet for added flavor.
Stir in the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing to coat them in the creamy pesto sauce. If using cherry tomatoes, stir them in at this stage.
Allow the shrimp to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Serve over cooked pasta or rice, if desired, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3819 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 193.8 g | 248% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.6 g | 403% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1191 mg | 397% | |
| Sodium | 2714 mg | 118% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 314.8 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.2 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.5 g | ||
| Protein | 184.3 g | 369% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 949 mg | 73% | |
| Iron | 13.8 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 2156 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
