Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed (or substitute with more basil)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted or untoasted
1 large garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
12 ounces dry linguine pasta
1 bunch asparagus (approx. 1 pound), tough ends trimmed and discarded, remaining stalks diced into 1-2 inch pieces
1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for cooking shrimp
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste for shrimp and pasta
Instructions
1-Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup pine nuts, 1 large garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Pulse until finely chopped, then slowly pour in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until smooth. Set aside.
2-Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces dry linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta.
3-Cook Asparagus: Steam the diced asparagus pieces until crisp-tender, about 4-6 minutes. Alternatively, sauté in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until tender. Set aside.
4-Cook Shrimp: Pat 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook until opaque and pink, about 3-4 minutes. Pour 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to coat. Remove from heat.
5-Combine: Add the cooked linguine and steamed asparagus to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss gently to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cool for about 1 minute.
6-Finish with Pesto: Stir the prepared pesto into the pasta mixture until well coated. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
7-Serve: Dish it up immediately for the best flavor.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍋 Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
🥦 Asparagus can be sautéed instead of steamed for different texture.
🌰 Walnuts can substitute pine nuts; omit nuts if allergic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 539
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 227mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 232mg
