Indulge in the rich flavors of this delectable Creamy Pesto Shrimp dish, perfect for a quick yet impressive meal. Combining succulent shrimp with a velvety, basil pesto-infused cream sauce, this recipe brings together the freshness of herbs, the richness of cream, and the savory goodness of shrimp in a harmonious blend. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the cream simmer for about 2-3 minutes, slightly thickening.
- Add the Pesto and Cheese:
- Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, blending well with the cream sauce.
- Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Add the lemon juice and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Enjoy your Creamy Pesto Shrimp, a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare!
