Pasta con Frutti di Mare in Salsa di Pesto is a delightful fusion of Italian seafood pasta and the rich, aromatic flavors of pesto. This dish combines fresh seafood with a vibrant basil pesto sauce, making it a perfect meal for those who love both seafood and the taste of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well)
- 500g (1.1 lbs) mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, squid)
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
For the Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pesto Sauce:
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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Cook the Seafood:
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the mixed seafood to the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is just cooked through (shrimp should be pink, and mussels and clams should open).
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced by half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine the Pasta and Seafood:
- Add the drained pasta to the pan with the seafood. Toss gently to combine.
- Stir in the prepared pesto sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta and seafood evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
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Serve:
- Transfer the pasta with frutti di mare in pesto sauce to serving plates.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Enjoy your Pasta con Frutti di Mare in Salsa di Pesto with a glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Vermentino. This dish is a perfect combination of fresh, aromatic pesto and the rich flavors of the sea!
