Mediterranean Shrimp Asparagus Pasta with Sundried Tomato Pesto

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving something fancy but dead easy? This shrimp asparagus sun dried tomato pasta is exactly that. Honestly, the burst of flavour will make your taste buds sing!

Brief Overview

This Mediterranean pasta recipe comes from sunny shores. It's super easy to make, ready in just 35 minutes. This easy pasta recipe yields four servings. So, gather your mates.

Main Benefits

This dish is packed with lean protein from the shrimp. It is a top health benefit. It's the perfect quick weeknight dinner .

The sun-dried tomato pesto recipe really sets it apart. Honestly. It's all chef kiss .

Craving Flavours?

Think about the taste of the Mediterranean. This Italian shrimp pasta brings those flavours home. Imagine the sun-dried tomatoes, the fresh herbs, and the seafood.

Delicious! It's great for family gatherings. Or, you could make it a romantic dinner.

Why This Pasta is The Business

I remember the first time I made this. My other half declared me the Pasta Queen! What makes this asparagus pasta recipe special is the vibrant pesto.

The salty sun-dried tomatoes really lift the whole thing. Plus, it's dead easy to throw together.

Ready for Some Sun-Dried Goodness?

I reckon you'll love this recipe. It's one of those that gets bookmarked. And trust me, your friends will be begging for the recipe! We love some shrimp asparagus pasta , right?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing shrimp asparagus sun dried tomato pasta! Trust me, it’s simpler than it sounds.

Honestly, easy pasta recipe are my go-to for weeknights. It's also a fantastic addition to your collection of seafood pasta ideas .

Ingredients & Gear: Let's Get Sorted!

Main Stuff

Okay, here's the breakdown. First up, you'll need 1 pound (450g) of your fave pasta. I usually go for linguine.

It really grabs onto the sauce. For the star, get 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp makes a massive difference! Quality shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy.

You will also need 1 pound (450g) of asparagus. Aim for firm, bright green stalks.

The sun-dried tomato pesto recipe requires 1/2 cup (75g) of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Reserve 2 tablespoons of that oil! Next, you need 2 cloves of garlic and 1/4 cup (25g) of grated Parmesan.

And don’t forget 1/4 cup (30g) of toasted pine nuts and 1/4 cup (60ml) of extra virgin olive oil. You will also need 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters!

Salt and pepper are your best mates. I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives a nice kick.

Think about Italian shrimp pasta , and how balanced it needs to be with the seasonings. It’s like a warm hug, if that hug was spicy.

If you're feeling fancy, 1/4 cup (60ml) of dry white wine (Pinot Grigio works great) will deepen the flavor. For an extra zest, I always put fresh parsley.

It's a game changer, i am telling you.

Quick tip: If you don't have pine nuts, use walnuts. It works wonders.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You only need a few bits and bobs. A large pot for boiling pasta is a must. A colander to drain it, of course.

Also, grab your food processor, a large skillet, and some tongs. No fancy stuff needed. If you don’t have a food processor, just chop the sun-dried tomatoes really fine.

Seriously, don't let the lack of gear stop you from making this. This is more of a Mediterranean pasta recipe than a fancy one.

Cooking Method: Shrimp Asparagus Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Perfection

Right then, let's talk about this shrimp asparagus sun dried tomato pasta. Honestly, this easy pasta recipe is a total game changer.

It is one of my favorites shrimp pasta recipe and perfect asparagus pasta recipe . It’s so quick, you can have it on the table faster than you can say "Mediterranean marvel".

Plus, it’s packed with flavour!

Prep Steps That'll Save Your Sanity

• Essential Mise en Place: Get everything chopped and ready. Asparagus needs a trim, and that garlic needs to be minced! Measure out those pine nuts. Trust me, it’ll save you mad panic later.
• Time Saving Organization Tips: Portion out ingredients into little bowls. It makes cooking feel like a fancy TV show, and honestly, it's just easier. Keep the dry pasta separate, obviously.
• Safety Reminders: Don't be a numpty. Watch that hob! Keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case your cooking gets too lit.

step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cooking!

1. Get your pasta on. Boil salted water, then cook 450g of pasta until al dente . Reserve 1 cup of pasta water .
2. Whizz up the pesto. Sun-dried toms, garlic, Parm, pine nuts, lemon juice, and oil in a food processor. Season!
3. Sauté the shrimp. Add 1 tbsp of that sun-dried tomato oil, and 450g shrimp to the pan with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until pink, about 2- 3 minutes per side . Don't overcook them, or they'll be rubbery, eugh!
4. Cook the asparagus. Chuck in 450g of chopped asparagus. Cook until tender crisp, about 3- 5 minutes .
5. Combine everything. Add the pasta to the shrimp and asparagus, toss, then stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto. Add that reserved pasta water to make a creamy sauce! Serve that yummy shrimp asparagus pasta !

Pro Tips for a Crowd Pleasing Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

• Toasting the Pine Nuts: Always toast your pine nuts before making the pesto! It brings out the flavor.
• Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp: I can't stress this enough. Overcooked shrimp is the worst. Just a few minutes per side is all you need.
• make-ahead Pesto: You can totally make the sun-dried tomato pesto recipe ahead of time. It'll keep in the fridge for a few days. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner .

Honestly, this recipe is so versatile. You could easily swap out the shrimp for chicken, or even just add more vegetables for a pasta with vegetables dish.

This Italian shrimp pasta is easily becoming one of my top seafood pasta ideas ! Give it a whirl, you won’t regret it!

Recipe Notes for Your Culinary Masterpiece

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this shrimp asparagus sun dried tomato pasta. Ace! But before you dive headfirst, let's chat about some extra bits to make your culinary experience even smoother.

Honestly, these are the tips and tricks I wish I'd known the first time.

Serving Suggestions: Va-Va-Voom Presentation!

Presentation is key. Think about it: we eat with our eyes first. Plate your shrimp asparagus pasta with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a flurry of Parmesan.

A drizzle of good olive oil never hurts. For a bit of fancy, you could even swirl the sun-dried tomato pesto artfully on top.

A simple green salad on the side will do the trick. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine will create the Mediterranean pasta recipe experience.

Oh, and don't forget some crusty bread for soaking up all that yummy sauce!

Storage Tips: Making the Magic Last

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate any remaining shrimp asparagus sun dried tomato pasta in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.

It will keep for up to 3 days . When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

I do not recommend freezing this dish; the texture of the pasta and asparagus can get a bit wonky. The sauce changes when it is frozen, you know ?

Variations: Remix It!

This easy pasta recipe is super adaptable. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta. Swap out the Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative, and you've got a lactose friendly dish! Want to make it seasonal? Use other vegetables you find at the farmers market.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This shrimp pasta recipe isn't just delicious; it's pretty good for you too! The shrimp provides lean protein, the asparagus is packed with vitamins, and the sun-dried tomatoes are bursting with antioxidants.

The asparagus pasta recipe contributes to a balanced meal. And that lovely sun-dried tomato pesto recipe adds a nice dose of healthy fats.

Each serving has around 550 calories, 35g of protein, 25g of fat, 50g of carbs. Enjoy that Italian shrimp pasta !

So, there you have it! With these tips, you're well on your way to creating a fantastic quick weeknight dinner , filled with seafood pasta ideas .

The combination of shrimp asparagus sun dried tomato is killer, trust me. Go on, give it a go, have fun with it, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on things.

You got this! You can whip up some pretty spectacular pasta with vegetables !.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the sun-dried tomato pesto ahead of time for this shrimp asparagus sun dried tomato pasta?

Absolutely! Making the pesto in advance is a cracking idea. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before you toss it with the pasta, shrimp, and asparagus. It's like having your very own ready-made flavour bomb!

I'm not a big fan of pine nuts. What else can I use in the sun-dried tomato pesto?

No worries, mate! If pine nuts aren't your cup of tea, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Toast them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the food processor this'll really bring out their nutty flavour and add a lovely texture to your pesto.

Think of it as your own little culinary remix!

How do I store leftovers of this shrimp asparagus sun dried tomato dish?

Leftovers are a winner! Store any leftover shrimp asparagus sun dried tomato pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep well for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out and toss it in a pan until heated through.

Avoid reheating it too many times as the shrimp can become rubbery.

Is there a good vegetarian alternative to shrimp in this asparagus and sun-dried tomato pasta recipe?

You bet! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp. You can then add other vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the pan after the asparagus. Adding some cannellini beans will give you some protein! It's like a garden party in a pasta bowl!

I’m watching my calorie intake. How can I make this shrimp, asparagus, sun dried tomato pasta healthier?

Good on you for being mindful! To lighten things up, use whole wheat pasta, which is higher in fiber, and reduce the amount of oil in the pesto. You can also increase the amount of asparagus and use less pasta overall. A good way of doing this is by serving with a salad too, so you have more to enjoy!

My shrimp always ends up rubbery! What am I doing wrong when making this shrimp asparagus sun dried tomato recipe?

Ah, the dreaded rubbery shrimp! The key is not to overcook it, so keep an eye on them. Sauté the shrimp over medium high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.

Remember, they'll continue to cook a bit when you toss them with the hot pasta and sauce, so err on the side of slightly undercooked. And always make sure you devein the shrimp and remove their shells beforehand, so they're ready to go when you need them!