Pesto Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of pasta (such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

What Kind of Pasta to Use for Creamy Tomato Pesto Shrimp Pasta:
You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works well for this dish. Penne or rigatoni also pair nicely with the creamy tomato pesto sauce.

What Type of Shrimp to Buy:
For this recipe, large shrimp are recommended. Look for fresh or frozen shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time during preparation.

Do I Have to Use Shrimp?
If you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the shrimp altogether. You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to make up for the absence of shrimp.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pesto Shrimp Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the pesto sauce and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through, about 2 minutes.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it’s evenly coated with the creamy tomato pesto sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the creamy tomato pesto shrimp pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

How Long Does Defrosted Shrimp Last in the Refrigerator?
Once defrosted, shrimp will typically last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to use them as soon as possible for the freshest taste.

Should You Devein Shrimp?
Deveining shrimp is recommended as it removes the digestive tract, which can sometimes contain grit or sand. While it’s not harmful to consume, deveining improves the appearance and texture of the shrimp.

What’s the Easiest Way to Peel and Devein Shrimp?
One easy method is to use a small paring knife to make a shallow slit along the back of the shrimp. Then, use the tip of the knife or your fingers to lift out the vein. Alternatively, you can purchase shrimp that have already been peeled and deveined to save time.

How to Know When Shrimp is Done Cooking?
Shrimp are done cooking when they turn pink and opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the shrimp, but they generally only take a few minutes to cook through.

What to Serve with Creamy Tomato Pesto Shrimp Pasta:
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.