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Cilantro Pistachio Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Cilantro Pistachio Shrimp Pasta Recipe You'll Love Tonight

This Cilantro Pistachio Shrimp Pasta Recipe celebrates vibrant flavors and comforting textures, perfect for a quick and easy gourmet meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro Key flavor component; vibrant leaves provide herbaceous freshness.
  • 1/2 cup Roasted Shelled Pistachios Adds texture and subtle earthiness; roasting enhances flavor.
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Contributes a gentle heat; can be adjusted or omitted based on spice preference.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Provides depth and classic flavor; use fresh for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Offers zesty acidity that brightens the dish; fresh is recommended.
  • 1/4 cup Avocado or Olive Oil Used to blend pesto; avocado oil gives a smoother texture.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Water Thins the pesto for preferred consistency.
  • to taste Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper Essential for balancing flavors; taste as you go.
For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Raw Shrimp (Deveined, Tails Removed) Main protein; fresh or thawed shrimp works best.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Enhances shrimp's flavor without overwhelming the pesto.
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti (Regular or Gluten-Free) Base of the dish; cooked al dente for optimal texture.
For Serving
  • 4 ounces Goat Cheese (Optional) Adds creaminess and tanginess; complements the pesto beautifully.
  • 1/4 cup Extra Cilantro and Chopped Roasted Pistachios Used for garnish and added crunch.

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Skillet
  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a food processor, combine fresh cilantro, roasted shelled pistachios, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and avocado or olive oil. Blend until silky and smooth, adding water to achieve desired consistency.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Season shrimp with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from skillet.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and return to pot.
  4. With pasta still warm, pour cilantro pistachio pesto over and toss to coat evenly. Add cooked shrimp and mix until combined. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
  5. Serve portions onto plates, garnished with crumbled goat cheese, extra cilantro, and roasted pistachios.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This pasta dish is perfect for impressing guests, and you can easily adjust for gluten-free options without sacrificing flavor.

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