Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Easy basil shrimp pesto pasta with asparagus is the perfect quick and delicious dinner! It's packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 batch Dairy Free Pesto
• 1 pound shrimp (shells removed and deveined)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 medium cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• 1 Tablespoon fresh basil (thinly sliced)
• 3/4 pound linguine (certified gluten free if necessary)
• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 pound asparagus (with tough ends broken off and cut into 1” pieces)
• 1 medium shallot (thinly sliced)
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• Fresh mozzarella (to taste)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Make the pesto according to the recipe instructions.
2. 2Wash and thoroughly dry the shrimp. Sprinkle with...: Wash and thoroughly dry the shrimp. Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. 3In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add...: In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic, salt, and red chili flakes. Stir to combine and saute until aromatic (about 30 seconds - 1 minute).
4. 4Add the shrimp and cook until they are...: Add the shrimp and cook until they are cooked halfway through (depending on the size of shrimp you’re using, this could take anywhere from 45 seconds - 2 minutes).
5. 5Using tongs, flip the shrimp and saute until...: Using tongs, flip the shrimp and saute until the shrimp are cooked through.
6. 6Set the shrimp aside (being sure to reserve...: Set the shrimp aside (being sure to reserve the oil).
7. 7In a large pot of salted water, cook...: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water when it’s finished cooking.
8. 8While the pasta is cooking, saute the shallot...: While the pasta is cooking, saute the shallot and asparagus. In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the shallot and stir. Saute for 30 seconds. Add in the asparagus and stir. Saute just until the asparagus turns a bright green.
9. 9Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Add...: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Add the pasta water and the pesto, and toss to combine.
10. 10Top with the shrimp, fresh mozzarella pieces, and...: Top with the shrimp, fresh mozzarella pieces, and the reserved oil.
11. 11Serve hot.