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Penne with Shrimp and Pesto

Penne with Shrimp and Pesto balances briny, tender shrimp with the fresh herb richness of prepared pesto, while crisp sugar snap peas add a pleasant crunch. A squeeze of lemon brightens each bite, keeping the sauce lively rather than heavy. It’s a great weeknight dinner or a casual gathering dish when you want something fresh, fast, and flavorful.

  • Prep15 mins
  • Cook15 mins
  • Serves6
  • DifficultyEasy
Penne with Shrimp and Pesto
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. When draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set it aside.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook, without stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the snap peas and stir until the shrimp are just turning opaque. Stir in the pesto and the cooked pasta until everything is well combined.

  3. 3

    Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and the juice of the lemon to the pasta and toss to mix. Add pasta water as needed to reach your preferred consistency. Serve right away.