30-Minute Shrimp Pesto Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 225 g dry noodles, like spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle

→ Seared Shrimp

02 - 450 g jumbo shrimp, peeled, no shells or veins (16-20 per 450 g)
03 - 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra-virgin
06 - 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
07 - 5 garlic cloves, chopped up small

→ Sauce and Garnishes

08 - 80 ml good basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
09 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice, squeezed fresh
10 - 45 g toasted pine nuts (these are optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Fill up a big pot and get the water bubbling. Once boiling, toss in your pasta and cook till it’s just chewy enough, usually for 10 to 12 minutes. Drain really well.
02 - Dry those shrimp, then throw on salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Put olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in shrimp and garlic and cook for around 3 minutes per side, flipping halfway. You’ll know they’re done when they’re all pink and firm. Too many in the pan? Cook them in rounds. Move them off the heat once they’re cooked.
03 - Dump your drained noodles and pesto into the emptied skillet and stir it up. Warm it on low for two minutes so everything gets nice and coated. Taste and see if you want more salt or pepper.
04 - Start by mixing in a tablespoon of lemon juice, then taste it and add more if you like. Gently add the shrimp back in. Sprinkle on pine nuts if you’re using. Serve instantly and let everyone add a little extra pepper or chili flakes if they want.

# Notes:

01 - Keep a close eye when toasting pine nuts—they burn fast! Bake at 175°C for about five minutes, till they smell nutty and look gold.
02 - Shred up Parmesan, Asiago, or Romano—plus chopped basil or any green herb you enjoy—as toppings. They’re awesome.
03 - If you want more taste or veggies, try throwing in arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus.
04 - Want a saucier meal? Stir in more pesto a tablespoon at a time till it’s just right for you.

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