Creamy Pesto Shrimp & Pasta

with Tomatoes & Zucchini

25 MIN

4 Servings

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From the Test Kitchen

Cavatappi pasta provides a perfect complement to the bright flavors and textures of sautéed shrimp and zucchini in this easy dish. It’s all brought together by a light sauce of creamy mascarpone cheese and our bright, verdant basil pesto.
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Nutrition

PER SERVING
Calories

640 Cals (est.)

View Full Nutrition

fresh

ingredients

18 oz Tail-On Shrimp (Peeled & Deveined)
¾ lb Cavatappi Pasta
½ lb Grape Tomatoes
2 Zucchini
⅓ cup Basil Pesto
2 Tbsps Mascarpone Cheese
1 oz Salted Butter
¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
¼ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

step-by-step

instructions

Cook Along

1 Prepare the ingredients

Fill a large pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Halve the zucchini lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise. Halve the tomatoes. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels; remove the tails. Season with salt and pepper.

2 Cook the pasta

Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 7 to 9 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

3 Cook the zucchini

Meanwhile, in a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Working in two batches, add the sliced zucchini; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly browned and softened. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the pan.

4 Cook the shrimp & tomatoes

In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the halved tomatoes and seasoned shrimp in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until the shrimp are slightly opaque. Add as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

5 Finish the pasta & serve your dish

To the pot of cooked pasta, add the cooked shrimp and tomatoes, cooked zucchini, butter, and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until combined and the butter is melted. Turn off the heat. Add the pesto and mascarpone; stir until combined and the pasta is coated (if necessary, gradually add the remaining cooking water to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated). Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished pasta garnished with the parmesan. Enjoy!