Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Step 1

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente per the package directions. Drain the pasta but reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry and season on both sides with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 3

Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the tomatoes and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened. Then, add 3/4 cup pesto, Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and mix well. If needed, add more pesto or pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 5

Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.

Step 6

Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy!