How to Make Italian-Style Seafood Pesto Pasta

If you're looking to create a delightful dish that perfectly combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine, try making Italian-style seafood pesto pasta. This recipe blends tender pasta with fresh seafood and vibrant basil pesto, resulting in a meal that's both satisfying and impressive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients

  • 300g of your choice of pasta (linguine or spaghetti works well)
  • 200g of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 200g of calamari, sliced
  • 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Seafood

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, add the shrimp and calamari to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and the calamari is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine Pasta and Seafood

Once the seafood is cooked, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Pour in the basil pesto and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and seafood are well coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Garnish and Serve

Once combined, remove the skillet from heat. Plate the seafood pesto pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. If you desire, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Pesto Pasta

  • Homemade Pesto: For the best flavor, consider making your own pesto using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
  • Seafood Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other seafood like mussels or scallops according to your preference.
  • Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery. Just cook until it's opaque.

This Italian-style seafood pesto pasta is not only easy to prepare but also an exciting dish that highlights the best of Italian flavors. Enjoy this delightful meal with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dining experience!