Here is an easy pasta recipe with a twist. If you are a lover of shrimp, pasta and are bored of the regular variations, this linguine with shrimp and pistachio will be a welcome change.
The inspiration for this recipe is from Jamie Oliver’s book – Jamie Cooks Italy that I purchased a few months back. It has the most delicious pasta ideas, and authentic ones at that! The idea of adding crushed pistachios to the pasta really intrigued me, and that’s how I adapted that idea to make this recipe. Cherry tomatoes are also a great addition and the freshness of lime juice just elevates it to just another level.
This recipe is also super quick as shrimp hardly takes any time. Cooking the pasta till al dente in salty pasta water in one pot, and the main recipe is another. Simultaneous cooking is advised for best results.
Preparation time – 15 minutes
Cook time – 30 minutes
Serves – 2 people
Ingredients
- 150 g linguine
- 10 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes
- 150 g unsalted pistachios, finely crushed in a mortar and pestle
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 50 g butter
- 100 g grated parmesan cheese
- Juices extracted from two limes
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 50 g fresh Italian basil leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp pepper powder, freshly crushed
Directions
- Boil water in a pot. Add 2 tbsp salt and mix.
- Cook the pasta as per package instructions till al dente.
- While the linguine is cooking, heat another pot. Add the olive oil and butter. Keep the heat at low.
- Fry the shrimps in this oil, one minute each side. Set them aside.
- In the same pot, add the garlic and saute for about a minute in low heat. Do not burn.
- Add the chili flakes and mix.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and give it a light stir.
- Mix the linguine into the pan and stir gently with a spatula.
- Season with salt and pepper and mix it all well with the linguine.
- Add three tablespoons of salty pasta water and cook till everything comes together well.
- Turn off the gas and add the cooked shrimps on top and mix.
- Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and basil leaves.
- Add the crushed pistachios, drizzle the fresh lime juice on top and give it one last stir.
- Serve immediately.
I hope you do try this simple, mouth-watering and fresh pasta soon. It is a perfect option for a quick fix for dinner or a lazy lunch.
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me with a comment or connect with me on Instagram or Facebook.
Happy cooking!
