This Pasta with Zucchini Pesto and Shrimp is a light, refreshing twist on traditional pesto pasta. The zucchini adds a smooth, creamy texture, while fresh basil and Parmesan bring classic Italian flavors. Paired with succulent, pan-seared shrimp, this dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The lemon zest and chili flakes give it a bright, zesty finish, making it a delightful meal for any occasion!
INGREDIENTS :
- For the zucchini pesto:
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the pasta and shrimp:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work well)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
HOW TO MAKE PASTA WITH ZUCCHINI PESTO & SHRIMPS ?
1. Make the Zucchini Pesto:
- Bring a pot of water to boil, then blanch the zucchini for about 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a food processor, combine the blanched zucchini, basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Combine Everything:
- In the same pan used for the shrimp, add the cooked pasta, zucchini pesto, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, lemon zest, and mix until combined.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
This pasta dish is light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal!