Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Penne with Shrimp and Pesto

This quick and flavorful dish brings together tender shrimp, crisp sugar snap peas, and vibrant pesto for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21 to 25 count)
• 1 (8 ounce) package sugar snap peas, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 (8 ounce) refrigerated prepared pesto
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 11 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes without stirring, allowing them to sear. Once the shrimp begin to turn opaque, add the snap peas and stir for another minute or until the shrimp are fully cooked.
3. Stir in the pesto and the cooked pasta until everything is well combined. Add the lemon zest and juice, tossing to incorporate all the flavors.
4. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	422
Fat	19g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	159mg
Sodium	948mg
Carbohydrates	40g
Dietary Fiber	6g
Total Sugars	10g
Protein	27g
Vitamin C	90mg
Calcium	238mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	671mg

The Origins and Story of Shrimp Pesto Penne

Shrimp Pesto Penne is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes, combining the rich, aromatic flavors of basil pesto with succulent shrimp. The roots of this dish trace back to Liguria, a coastal region in northwestern Italy, where pesto was first crafted using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Traditionally, pesto was paired with trofie or trenette pasta, but over time, penne became a popular choice for its ability to hold sauce in its hollow center, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. The addition of shrimp adds a delicate seafood essence, reflecting the Italian penchant for incorporating fresh coastal ingredients into pasta dishes.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While this recipe is often considered American-Italian cuisine, it retains hints of Ligurian influence. In coastal Italian regions, seafood pasta often includes clams, mussels, or prawns, sometimes with a lighter, oil-based sauce rather than creamy pesto. In contrast, American adaptations favor richer, ready-made pesto sauces for convenience. Additionally, the inclusion of sugar snap peas or other fresh vegetables is a distinctly modern adaptation, offering a crisp texture and vibrant color to the dish. Regional variations in Italy would more likely emphasize seasonal herbs or local seafood varieties.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Shrimp Pesto Penne stands apart from other pasta dishes like Shrimp Alfredo or Shrimp Scampi. While Shrimp Alfredo relies on heavy cream and Parmesan for a rich, smooth sauce, Shrimp Pesto Penne uses fresh basil pesto, which is herbaceous, slightly nutty, and lighter on the palate. Unlike Shrimp Scampi, which is primarily garlic, butter, and lemon-based, this dish balances the herbal notes of pesto with the briny sweetness of shrimp, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is simultaneously fresh and indulgent.

Common Serving Occasions

This pasta is versatile, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and elegant dinner parties. Restaurants often serve it as a main course in Italian or Mediterranean-style establishments, accompanied by a side salad or crusty bread. In home settings, it is popular for quick weeknight meals due to its 30-minute preparation time, yet it also impresses guests with its vibrant colors and flavorful combination of shrimp and pesto.

Interesting Facts

• Pesto, the key ingredient in this dish, literally means to pound or to crush in Italian, referencing the original method of grinding basil with a mortar and pestle.
• The use of penne pasta allows the sauce to cling inside the tubes, making each bite consistently coated with pesto.
• Shrimp cooks extremely quickly, often in just 2-3 minutes, which makes this dish a favorite for fast, flavorful cooking.
• Adding lemon zest and juice not only enhances the shrimps natural sweetness but also brightens the herbal flavors of the pesto.
• Modern adaptations of this dish often include vegetables like sugar snap peas or cherry tomatoes, combining nutritional balance with visual appeal.

FAQ about Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe

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