Description
This Shrimp Pesto Penne recipe is a quick and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring tender shrimp sautéed with crisp sugar snap peas, all tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce with a bright touch of lemon zest and juice, it delivers a perfect harmony of fresh and savory flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Paste and Sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 (8 ounce) container refrigerated prepared pesto
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21 to 25 count)
- 1 (8 ounce) package sugar snap peas, cut into ½-inch pieces
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Cook Shrimp and Snap Peas: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan and let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a slight sear. Then add the sugar snap peas cut into pieces and stir gently, cooking until the shrimp turn almost opaque and the peas are tender-crisp, about 2 more minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir the prepared pesto into the skillet with the shrimp and snap peas. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Stir in the lemon zest and juice for brightness. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust pesto sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use refrigerated pesto for convenience, or substitute with homemade pesto if preferred.
- Peel and devein shrimp beforehand to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Add snap peas last to keep their crunch and bright green color.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread for a complete meal.
