Welcome to Doctor Delicious Dishes! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Almond Pesto Shrimp Pasta, a fresh take on a classic dish. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a vibrant, nutty pesto made from almonds, offering a delightful twist that’s both quick and healthy. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, this dish promises a burst of flavor in every bite while keeping things nutritious and satisfying. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering creation that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Beyond its delicious taste, this Almond Pesto Shrimp Pasta is packed with nutritional benefits. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation. Almonds bring a wealth of nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats, which support brain health and maintain glowing skin. Paired with large pasta shells, this dish provides a wholesome balance of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-rounded meal that nourishes your body while tantalizing your taste buds. Additionally, this almond pesto is a great alternative for those with pine nut allergies, allowing everyone to enjoy the rich, nutty flavors of pesto without any concerns.
A fresh take on a classic, our Almond Pesto Shrimp Pasta combines succulent shrimp with a nutty almond pesto, served over large pasta shells. This quick and healthy dish is packed with nutrients and is perfect for those with pine nut allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy its rich flavors.
Gather all the ingredients for your Almond Pesto Shrimp Pasta. You’ll need large shrimp, pasta shells, lightly salted almonds, fresh basil leaves, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, a lemon, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, you can use additional fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Prepare all the ingredients for your Almond Pesto Shrimp Pasta. For the pesto, get the almonds, fresh basil leaves, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Also, have the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper on hand. Optionally, you can prepare additional fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Place all the pesto ingredients into your Cuisinart Food Processor. Add the almonds, fresh basil leaves, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and sea salt. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto is well combined appearing smooth and creamy.
Transfer the freshly made almond pesto from the food processor into a bowl. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt and a few drops of olive oil to the water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, ready for cooking the pasta shells.
Add the large pasta shells to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of minced garlic over medium heat. Add the prepared shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells with the prepared almond pesto. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto. Gently mix everything together. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the Almond Pesto Shrimp Pasta to serving plates. Add the shrimp then garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Optionally, add edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance. Serve immediately and enjoy!
For an extra depth of flavor, lightly toast the almonds before blending them into the pesto.
Adding fresh basil leaves and edible flowers not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.