Description
A light and flavorful dish featuring tender zucchini noodles tossed with aromatic basil pesto, juicy sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy toasted pine nuts. This quick and healthy recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a refreshing summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Noodles
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 500 grams)
Shrimp and Sauce
- 200 grams shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (toasted)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare zucchini noodles: Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles from the zucchinis. Set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sauté garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook zucchini noodles: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become tender yet retain a slight crispness.
- Combine ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the basil pesto and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the zucchini noodles with shrimp, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- For a nuttier flavor, make your own basil pesto using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Be careful not to overcook the zucchini noodles to keep their texture slightly crisp.
- To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- This dish is best served immediately after preparation to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.
