Shrimp pesto penne is a flavorful pasta dish featuring tender shrimp tossed with penne pasta in a creamy pesto sauce. Here’s a breakdown of what this dish typically includes:

Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp, usually medium to large in size.

• Penne Pasta: Short pasta tubes that hold the sauce well.

• Pesto Sauce: A mixture of fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil blended into a smooth paste. Pesto adds a vibrant green color and rich flavor to the dish.

• Heavy Cream (optional): Used to create a creamy sauce if desired, adding richness to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is often sprinkled on top for added flavor.

• Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and aroma to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the shrimp and mixing with the pesto.

• Salt and Pepper: To season the shrimp and sauce.

• Cherry Tomatoes (optional): Halved cherry tomatoes can be added for color and a burst of freshness.

Cooking Method:

1. Cook Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

2. Prepare Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Make Pesto Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional olive oil if needed.

4. Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the pesto sauce (and heavy cream if using), tossing everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

5. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes if desired. Serve immediately, optionally with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Tips:

• Pesto Variations: You can experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto, for a unique twist.

• Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier dish, add heavy cream to the pesto sauce mixture.

• Freshness: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Shrimp pesto penne is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that combines the savory flavors of shrimp with the aromatic freshness of basil pesto, making it a popular choice for pasta lovers.