I love pasta for a quick dinner, and I have a delicious Vegan Pesto Recipe that my whole family adores. Today, I want to share with you our favorite meal – Prawns and Homemade Pesto Pasta. This dish is a perfect go-to recipe for busy evenings when you want something both: quick and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients for Prawns & Homemade Pesto Pasta
Homemade Pesto: Grab the recipe here
Linguine or Preferred Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta variety for the dish, typically around 12 oz (340g).
Large Prawns: Approximately 1 pound (450g) of large prawns, peeled and deveined.
Cherry Tomatoes: About 1 pint (approximately 2 cups) of cherry tomatoes, halved.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing prawns and roasting cherry tomatoes.
Balsamic Vinegar: For roasting cherry tomatoes.
Parmesan Cheese: For garnishing the Pesto Pasta with a savory finishing touch.
Fresh Basil Leaves & Red Pepper Flakes: Used as a garnish for a pop of color and fresh aroma for the Pesto Pasta.
Salt & Pepper to taste.
Preparing the Prawns: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Select and Clean the Prawns:
- Choose large prawns that are fresh and preferably deveined. If they aren’t deveined, you can do this yourself by making a shallow incision along the back and removing the dark vein. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Season the Prawns:
- In a bowl, season the prawns with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a touch of olive oil for added flavor.
3. Marinate (Optional):
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the prawns for about 15-20 minutes in a mixture of minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. This step is optional but adds a delightful zing to the prawns.
4. Cooking the Prawns:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the prawns to achieve a nice sear.
- Place the seasoned prawns in the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Cook the prawns for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the prawns. Be cautious not to overcook them, as prawns can become rubbery when overdone.
- Once cooked, remove the prawns from the skillet and set them aside.
Roasting Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. You can leave them whole, but halving them allows their juices to meld more easily with the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together.
- Spread the seasoned cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20-25 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the tomatoes as they roast. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the tomatoes. They should be golden and slightly caramelized.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Pasta
- Use a large pot.
- Use 4-6 quarts of water for every pound of pasta.
- Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water (about 1-2 tablespoons per gallon).
- Stir the pasta immediately after adding it to the boiling water to prevent it from sticking together.
- Taste a small piece a minute or two before the recommended cooking time is up. It should be “al dente” – tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Never rinse your pasta after draining. The starchy surface helps the sauce adhere to it.
- Serve immediately while it’s hot.
Combine the Pesto Pasta
In a large mixing bowl or skillet combine the cooked pasta, add the homemade pesto, incorporate the roasted cherry tomatoes, and combine the seasoned prawns. Toss and serve. Enjoy!
Serving Tips for Prawns and Homemade Pesto Pasta Recipe
Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complement the flavors of the Pesto Pasta Recipe. The acidity and freshness of the wine balance the richness of the pesto and prawns.
Begin the meal with a light appetizer, such as a fresh Tomato Salad or bruschetta with diced tomatoes and basil. It’s a great way to whet the appetite and enjoy some pre-dinner nibbles.
Have a bowl of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the table for guests to sprinkle over their Pesto Pasta. The added cheese enhances the flavor and allows everyone to customize their serving.
Serve some crusty Italian bread or garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce and ensures no deliciousness goes to waste.
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From Scratch Delight: Prawns and Homemade Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of your choice 340 g
- 1 pound of large prawns 450 g
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- Red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup Homemade Pesto
link in the notes
Instructions
- In a bowl, season the prawns with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a touch of olive oil for added flavor. Read more tips in the blog post above.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned prawns in the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space. Cook the prawns for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Once cooked, remove the prawns from the skillet and set them aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, 2 Tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the seasoned cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, until golden and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.Read useful tips on how to cook perfect pasta in the blog post above.
- In a large mixing bowl or skillet combine the cooked pasta, add the homemade pesto, incorporate the roasted cherry tomatoes, and combine the seasoned prawns. Toss and serve. Enjoy!
- Serve with parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- I use Vegan Homemade Pesto for this Pasta. Find the recipe here.
- Serve the Pasta with crisp white wine and garlic bread on the side.