Spicy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Spicy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Main Ingredients:
  • 16 oz. shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 10 oz. crimini mushrooms baby bellas cleaned and sliced
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup white wine dry (not cooking wine)
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
Seasoning Mixture:
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Tuscan seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (may use regular)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Fresh basil chopped
Pasta:
  • 10 oz. fetuccine (use whole wheat for more fiber, vitamins and minerals)
Directions:
  1. In a mixing bowl whisk together the seasoning mixture. Put the shrimp in the mixture and rub the seasoning onto the shrimp. Make sure the shrimp is well coated.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, turning once midway. The shrimp will turn pink and you don't have to cook them all the way. They'll finish cooking in the sauce. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Add second tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Once the pan is hot, add the sliced mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid, reduce in volume and get soft.
  5. Add the minced garlic for the last minute of the sautéing mushrooms and cook for an additional minute. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan.
  6. Stir in the pesto and deglaze the pan with the white wine. Add the chicken stock and allow the liquid to reduce, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
  7. In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the pasta and cook it according to instructions. Save about 1 cup of the pasta water* to add to the shrimp sauce. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse.
  8. Add pasta to the skillet and stir until pasta is fully coated in the pesto alfredo sauce.
  9. Over low heat allow to warm for 2 minutes. Add additional pasta water if the skillet seems dry.
  10. Portion and serve. Season with more salt and additional red pepper flakes, if desired. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
Notes:

*Adding reserved pasta water to the pesto sauce acts as a natural thickener. You can also add a little of this pasta water to your pasta if it seems somewhat dry at the time of preparing to serve your dish.

Shrimp is very nutritious. It's fairly low in calories and provides a high amount of protein and healthy fats, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Nutrition:

Per serving: Calories 547 | Protein 36g | Fat 19g | Carbohydrates 57g | Fiber 4g | Sodium 895mg

Recipe source: https://allourway.com/pesto-shrimp/