Garlic Shrimp Pasta With Vibrant Cilantro Lime Pesto Swirl

Looking for a pasta dish that’s both comforting and bursting with fresh flavor? This Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Vibrant Cilantro Lime Pesto Swirl is exactly what you need! We’re taking classic garlic shrimp pasta and elevating it with a bright, zesty pesto that will awaken your taste buds. The combination of succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, herbaceous sauce is simply irresistible. This recipe is surprisingly quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for company. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Lineup

• 250 g (8.8 oz) Spaghetti or Linguine (Dry): The foundation of our dish! Choose either spaghetti or linguine – both work beautifully. The dry pasta provides the perfect al dente texture when cooked.
• 200 g (7 oz) Raw Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined: We’re using raw shrimp for maximum flavor and tenderness. Peeled and deveined saves you prep time, but you can buy unpeeled if preferred. Look for sustainably sourced shrimp whenever possible.
• 4 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is essential for that classic shrimp pasta flavor. Freshly minced garlic provides the most potent aroma and taste.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for its rich flavor and health benefits. It’s used for sautéing the garlic and shrimp, creating a flavorful base.
• 1 tbsp (15 g) Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a beautiful sheen to the sauce. Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• ½ cup (120 ml) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: Deglazes the pan and adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Low-sodium is preferred so you can control the salt level.
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Heavy Cream (or Coconut Cream): Creates a luscious, creamy sauce. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works wonderfully, adding a subtle sweetness.
• 1 cup (30 g) Fresh Cilantro Leaves, Packed: The star of our pesto! Fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous flavor. Make sure to pack the leaves tightly when measuring.
• 1 Small Jalapeño, Seeded and Roughly Chopped (Optional): Adds a touch of heat to the pesto. Remove the seeds for a milder spice level.
• 1 Clove Garlic, Minced (for Pesto): Another clove of garlic specifically for the pesto, complementing the cilantro.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a zesty brightness to the pesto, balancing the richness of the other ingredients. Freshly squeezed is always best!
• ¼ cup (30 g) Parmesan Cheese, Grated: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the pesto. Ensure it’s halal-certified if needed.
• 2 tbsp (30 g) Toasted Pine Nuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to both the pesto and as a garnish. Toasting enhances their flavor.
• Zest of 1 Lemon: Brightens up the dish with a citrusy aroma and flavor.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to Taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
• ¼ tsp (½ g) Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a subtle kick to the shrimp.

Substitutions & Variations

Don’t have an ingredient on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Shrimp: Chicken breast or scallops can be used instead of shrimp.
• Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be different.
• Pine Nuts: Walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pine nuts.
• Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or even a splash of milk can be used, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Adding enough salt is crucial – it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package directions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente (firm to the bite). Don’t overcook! Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold; it helps bind the sauce and pasta together, creating a creamy emulsion. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Pesto: While the pasta cooks, make the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh cilantro leaves, jalapeño (if using – remember to seed it for less heat!), minced garlic, fresh lime juice, Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and forms a relatively smooth paste. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a glossy, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt. Transfer the pesto to a small bowl and set aside.
3. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the raw shrimp dry with paper towels. This is important for achieving a good sear. Season the shrimp lightly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the red pepper flakes (if using). Don’t over-season; the pesto and garlic sauce will add plenty of flavor.
4. Sauté the Garlic: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be very careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Keep it moving in the pan.
5. Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and are just cooked through. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery, so watch them closely. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate to keep warm.
6. Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with the vegetable broth. This means pouring the broth into the hot skillet and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits (fond) are packed with flavor! Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a little more of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a silky, coating consistency.
8. Swirl in the Pesto and Add Shrimp: Gently fold the cilantro-lime pesto into the pasta, creating beautiful ribbons of green that swirl through the noodles. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and toss briefly to combine, ensuring they are heated through.
9. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the Garlic Shrimp Pasta to warm serving plates or a shallow bowl. Drizzle any remaining pesto over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately.

Why Cilantro-Lime Pesto Works So Well

The vibrant cilantro-lime pesto isn’t just a pretty addition; it’s a flavor powerhouse that complements the garlic shrimp beautifully. The bright acidity of the lime cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, while the cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note. The jalapeño (optional) provides a subtle kick that enhances the overall experience. This pesto is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors, adding a zesty and aromatic dimension to the classic garlic shrimp pasta. The use of fresh ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Achieving perfectly cooked shrimp is essential for this dish. Here are a few tips: Always start with shrimp that has been properly peeled and deveined. Patting the shrimp dry before seasoning ensures a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and result in steamed, rather than seared, shrimp. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque – overcooking will make them tough and rubbery. A quick chill in an ice bath after cooking can stop the cooking process immediately.

Adjusting the Spice Level

This recipe includes an optional jalapeño in the pesto and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Feel free to adjust the amount of these ingredients to suit your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit the jalapeño altogether and use just a pinch of red pepper flakes. For those who love a fiery kick, you can add more jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

A crisp, dry white wine pairs beautifully with Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Vibrant Cilantro Lime Pesto Swirl. Consider a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Vermentino. These wines have bright acidity and citrusy notes that complement the flavors of the dish. A light-bodied Rosé would also be a delightful pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Yes, the pesto can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free as it uses spaghetti. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Vibrant Cilantro Lime Pesto Swirl is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of succulent shrimp, creamy garlic sauce, and zesty cilantro-lime pesto is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access later! [Pinterest Save Button/Link]

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