The creamy pesto sauce combined with the delicate shrimp makes this Penne with Shrimp and Scallion Pesto a delightful, satisfying meal. The burst of fresh flavors from the scallions and the zest from the lemon complement the sweetness of the shrimp, creating a perfect balance. Every bite is full of delicious textures and bright flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend meal. The scallion pesto is not only tasty but also customizable – you can add more herbs or adjust the garlic and lemon to match your taste. Whether you enjoy seafood or just love a great pasta dish, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb penne pasta
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1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 bunch scallions, chopped (both white and green parts)
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
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1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon butter
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add olive oil and sauté the garlic and scallions for 2 minutes until softened.
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Add the basil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, then remove from heat.
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Place the cooked scallion mixture in a food processor or blender and pulse until a smooth pesto forms. You may need to add a little extra olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
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Toss the cooked penne pasta with the pesto until evenly coated.
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Gently fold in the shrimp and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Penning a thoughtful and flavorful meal can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you want to make something that feels fresh, exciting, and satisfying.
Penne with Shrimp and Scallion Pesto is one of those dishes that not only delights the senses but also works perfectly as a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. The dish combines tender penne pasta with juicy shrimp, all enveloped in a vibrant, homemade scallion pesto that bursts with fresh, zesty flavors. This recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen, providing a delicious and balanced meal the whole family will love.
The Perfect Marriage of Pesto and Shrimp
At the heart of this dish lies the scallion pesto, a twist on the traditional basil pesto that typically graces many Italian pasta dishes. While basil pesto is a classic and well-loved favorite, using scallions adds an entirely new dimension. Scallions are milder than garlic, yet they still provide that wonderful aromatic and savory bite. When combined with fresh basil, olive oil, and lemon, scallions create a pesto sauce that is bright, fresh, and just a little tangy, making it the ideal companion to the rich, tender shrimp.
The shrimp itself is a star in this dish. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just someone looking to try something new, shrimp provides a light but hearty protein source that pairs beautifully with the soft pasta and creamy pesto. Shrimp cooks quickly, which is a huge advantage when you’re preparing a meal after a busy day. With a brief sauté in a pan, shrimp turn from translucent to a lovely pink, retaining their juiciness and delicate flavor. When tossed with the pesto, the shrimp absorb the bright, herbal notes, creating a delicious and flavorful contrast to the creamy pasta.
A Simple, Yet Flavorful Pasta Dish
Pasta has a long history of being the perfect comfort food. It’s versatile, satisfying, and provides a great base for almost any kind of sauce or protein. Penne, a short, tube-shaped pasta, is excellent for holding onto the pesto sauce. Its ridges and hollow interior allow it to grab the sauce, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The pasta absorbs the pesto, making it creamy and decadent, without being too heavy.
When combined with shrimp and scallion pesto, penne provides a hearty texture that complements the tender shrimp. The balance of pasta and protein makes this dish feel like a complete meal, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything. Plus, the recipe is easy to customize: If you prefer a different type of pasta, such as fusilli or spaghetti, feel free to swap it out. The pesto will pair just as wonderfully with any other shape you choose.
Why Scallions Work Wonders in Pesto
Pesto is traditionally made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. However, using scallions instead of basil gives the pesto a wonderful flavor profile that’s unique and refreshing. Scallions are sometimes referred to as green onions, and they have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s less pungent than regular onions. This makes them perfect for those who want the flavor of onions without overwhelming the dish.
Scallions bring a savory, almost peppery note that marries perfectly with the creaminess of the Parmesan cheese and the earthiness of the olive oil. Their mildness lets the fresh basil shine through, giving the pesto a bright, vibrant flavor. Furthermore, scallions don’t overpower the shrimp, allowing them to remain the focus of the dish, yet still adding a touch of something special to the sauce.
The lemon juice in the pesto also plays a crucial role in enhancing the freshness of the dish. It balances the richness of the olive oil and cheese, while also highlighting the flavors of the shrimp. Lemon is a classic addition to seafood, as its acidity cuts through the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making each bite even more enjoyable.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
What makes Penne with Shrimp and Scallion Pesto so appealing is its versatility. It’s a great dish to serve for a casual weeknight dinner when time is short but you still want something flavorful and satisfying. The recipe is simple enough for beginners but can be elevated for a dinner party or gathering. For a festive touch, consider adding a side of garlic bread or a fresh, light salad with citrus dressing.
The dish can also be tailored to suit different dietary preferences. If you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, you can easily substitute the penne pasta for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or gluten-free pasta. The shrimp pesto sauce will still taste incredible, providing a rich and savory element to the dish without the carbs. Additionally, if you’re vegetarian, you can skip the shrimp and add roasted vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for a fulfilling, meat-free alternative.
The Nutritional Benefits
Penne with Shrimp and Scallion Pesto isn’t just delicious it’s also a balanced, nutritious meal. Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood that is rich in important nutrients such as vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. It’s also packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body. The addition of fresh herbs like basil and scallions brings extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while olive oil provides healthy fats that are essential for heart health.
The dish is also light enough to not feel too heavy after eating, yet satisfying enough to keep you full. The pesto adds richness to the pasta without being overly greasy, and the lemon helps keep things fresh and bright. If you’re looking for a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this dish is perfect for you.
Conclusion:
Penne with Shrimp and Scallion Pesto is a delightful dish that combines the best of Italian flavors with a fresh twist. The creamy pesto sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta create a balanced meal that is both satisfying and light. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, this dish is sure to impress your guests or family members. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an ideal recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
So next time you’re looking for a flavorful seafood pasta dish that will leave everyone at the table craving more, give this recipe a try. With its fresh, bright flavors and rich textures, Penne with Shrimp and Scallion Pesto is guaranteed to become one of your go-to meals.