Shrimp Scampi Over Pesto Couscous is a one-pan wonder marrying bright basil-walnut pesto with tender shrimp in a lemony broth, served over fluffy couscous. The pesto adds richness and herbaceous depth, while the scampi-style shrimp bring zesty, garlicky flavor and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes.
This dish is perfect for a quick, elegant weeknight meal. It’s easy to make, yet feels fancy especially when plating shrimp atop pistachio-colored pesto couscous. Plus, there’s built-in flexibility: leftover pesto can jazz up other dishes, and reserved couscous or shrimp can be repurposed into bruschetta-style appetizers or stuffed tomatoes.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 small bunch basil (about 2 cups leaves)
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2 Tbsp chopped garlic, divided
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¼ cup chopped walnuts
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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⅓ cup canola oil, plus 1 Tbsp
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 cups water
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1½ cups (≈10 oz) couscous
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½ tsp red pepper flakes
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½ cup chicken broth
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 lb frozen raw shrimp, thawed, peeled (tails on), deveined
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1 Tbsp chopped parsley
Directions:
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Make the pesto: In a food processor, pulse basil leaves, 1 Tbsp garlic, walnuts, and Parmesan. With machine running, slowly drizzle in ⅓ cup canola oil. Season with salt and pepper.
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Cook couscous: Bring 2 cups water and ½ tsp salt to boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover, and let stand 5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup for later use if desired. Stir half the pesto into the couscous when ready to serve.
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Prepare shrimp: Heat 1 Tbsp canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking ~30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice; when bubbling, add shrimp. Season with salt and pepper, stir, and cook until shrimp are pink (~4 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in parsley.
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Serve: Transfer pesto-couscous to platter, spoon shrimp and pan sauce over top, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cooking Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min
Kcal: approx. 630 per serving Servings: 4
Shrimp Scampi Over Pesto Couscous: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you’re looking for a light yet flavorful seafood dish that brings elegance to the dinner table with minimal effort, Shrimp Scampi Over Pesto Couscous might just be your new favorite recipe. This delightful combination of zesty shrimp and vibrant basil pesto infused into fluffy couscous offers a unique take on two culinary classics. Inspired by Mediterranean influences, this dish brings together bold Italian flavors and wholesome textures in a way that feels both refreshing and comforting.
At its core, this recipe is about balance. It takes the richness of shrimp scampi traditionally made with butter, garlic, and lemon and pairs it with the nutty, herbal brightness of pesto. Instead of pasta, which is the usual base for scampi, couscous is used to great effect. This not only lightens the dish but also gives it a unique texture and appearance, making it stand out among other shrimp or pesto-based recipes. The couscous, when mixed with a homemade pesto of basil, walnuts, Parmesan, and garlic, becomes more than a side it transforms into a flavor-packed foundation that soaks up the savory scampi juices perfectly.
The dish is not only rich in flavor but also visually striking. The vibrant green of the pesto and the pinkish-orange hue of cooked shrimp create a colorful plate that’s sure to impress guests or satisfy a weeknight craving for something special. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a finishing touch that elevates both appearance and taste.
The Fusion of Flavor: Why This Recipe Works
Shrimp scampi is a beloved recipe often characterized by its garlic-butter base and tangy splash of lemon juice. It’s quick to prepare and loaded with rich umami flavors, making it a popular seafood option. But this version takes the concept a step further by integrating pesto, which introduces an aromatic herbaceousness that beautifully complements the tender, juicy shrimp.
Pesto, traditionally made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, is a classic Italian sauce known for its bold green color and intense flavor. In this recipe, walnuts are used instead of pine nuts for a slightly earthier, more robust flavor, adding a rustic twist that deepens the dish’s flavor profile.
Meanwhile, couscous a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine is a perfect substitute for pasta here. Its light, fluffy texture serves as a subtle but capable base for absorbing the garlicky, lemony juices of the shrimp. This creates a satisfying mouthfeel without overpowering the other elements of the dish.
Another reason this dish works so well is its ease and speed of preparation. With a total cook time of under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without investing hours in the kitchen. Yet despite its simplicity, it offers complex flavors that suggest much more effort than it actually requires.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
For those who are health-conscious, this recipe brings multiple benefits to the table. Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood rich in essential nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and support cognitive function.
Couscous, though often thought of as a grain, is actually a form of pasta made from semolina wheat. It’s naturally low in fat and can be a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, especially if you opt for whole wheat couscous. When combined with the healthy fats in the pesto especially from walnuts and olive or canola oil this dish offers a satisfying balance of macronutrients.
Basil, the star of the pesto, is packed with antioxidants, and garlic is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Even the walnuts add a healthy twist, being high in omega-3s and heart-healthy fats.
When you consider all these ingredients together, Shrimp Scampi Over Pesto Couscous becomes more than just a delicious dish it’s also a nutrient-dense meal that supports overall wellness.
Variations and Serving Ideas
This dish is incredibly flexible and can be adapted based on what’s in your pantry or personal dietary preferences. For instance, those looking to reduce carbohydrates might substitute couscous with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, creating a lower-carb, gluten-free alternative.
You could also incorporate vegetables like cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or spinach into the couscous to increase fiber content and add color. For a spicier version, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even a hint of smoked paprika to the shrimp marinade.
If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this recipe also works beautifully with chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a plant-based version. Likewise, pesto itself can be varied try using arugula or kale in place of basil, or swap out walnuts for almonds or sunflower seeds depending on what you have on hand.
Occasion-Worthy Yet Everyday Friendly
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It’s sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party or romantic dinner for two, yet accessible enough for a casual family meal. The layered flavors feel gourmet, but the process is no more complicated than your average weeknight stir-fry.
You can prepare the pesto in advance and store it in the refrigerator for several days, making the final assembly even faster. Leftovers, if you have any, also keep well and can be reheated with a splash of broth or lemon juice to revive the sauce.
Because it’s such a harmonious blend of comfort and freshness, Shrimp Scampi Over Pesto Couscous has the rare quality of satisfying a wide range of tastes. Seafood lovers appreciate the shrimp, while vegetarians can easily adapt the base to suit their needs.
Conclusion:
Shrimp Scampi Over Pesto Couscous is a standout recipe that bridges tradition and innovation. It reimagines two time-honored dishes shrimp scampi and pesto pasta by uniting them into something fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The clever use of couscous in place of pasta adds a textural twist, while the homemade pesto infuses the entire dish with an irresistible aroma and richness.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner routine or impress guests with a restaurant-worthy plate, this recipe offers the best of both worlds. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, making it a perfect addition to your home cooking repertoire. From the first garlicky bite of shrimp to the last forkful of herb-laced couscous, every element of this dish promises a memorable and nourishing experience.