Pasta with Pesto Sauce and Seafood: A Delectable Fusion Dish
In the realm of culinary delights, there exists a versatile dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also serves as a creative solution for utilizing leftover proteins—beef or chicken—as well as seafood for a touch of elegance. This pasta with pesto sauce and seafood recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you desire something quick yet indulgent. With an effortless preparation process that can be completed in just 30 minutes, this dish caters to both the weeknight warrior and the gourmet enthusiast alike.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Pasta with Pesto Sauce and Seafood |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Description | A delightful way to utilize leftover meats or seafood for a fancy yet easy meal. Optional to exclude meat for a tasty side dish. |
| Recipe Category | Meat |
| Servings | 4 |
| Rating | 5 (1 review) |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Scallops | 3/4 – 1 lb |
| Lobster | 1 lb |
| Pesto Sauce | 2 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic Granules | to taste |
| Seasoning Salt | to taste |
| Fresh Ground Black Pepper | to taste |
| Dried Basil | to taste |
| Pasta (your choice) | 12-16 oz |
| Scallions | to garnish |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | to garnish |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Element | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 744.5 |
| Total Fat | 39.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 139.3 mg |
| Sodium | 74.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 66.9 g |
| Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugar | 2.3 g |
| Protein | 29.1 g |
Instructions
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Marinate the Meat (if uncooked): For those using uncooked meats such as beef or chicken, take a moment to season the meat according to your preferences, allowing it to marinate for a couple of hours for optimal flavor. Once marinated, cook the meat thoroughly, ensuring it is set aside and ready to be incorporated later.
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Reheat Cooked Meat (if applicable): If you’re opting for previously cooked meat, gently thaw or warm it in the microwave, then set it aside to integrate into the dish later.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, artfully combine the pesto sauce with the heavy cream and approximately 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, adjusting the amount of cheese based on your desired thickness.
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Season the Sauce: Generously season the mixture to taste with granulated garlic, seasoning salt, and freshly ground black pepper. For those who desire an enhanced flavor profile, feel free to add a touch of lightly crushed dried basil, allowing the sauce to set for at least 30 minutes to develop the flavors.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
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Reheat the Meat: As the pasta is cooking, return to the previously prepared meat, reheating it in the microwave, and setting it aside for later incorporation into the dish.
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Heat the Sauce: Place the sauce in the microwave, heating it on Defrost or Low for approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring well every minute to ensure it does not break. Be mindful that heating at a higher power or neglecting to stir can lead to a broken sauce.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the sauce is heated, gently stir the hot meat into the sauce, tossing it well to combine. Finally, add the drained pasta to the mix, ensuring every strand is coated in the luxurious pesto sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water can help achieve the desired consistency.
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Garnish and Serve: For a beautiful presentation, garnish the dish with thinly sliced green onions and/or chiffonade cut basil leaves. Serve the pasta with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on the side for those who appreciate an extra touch of cheesy goodness.
In this delightful dish, the creamy pesto envelops the pasta while the seafood or meat contributes an irresistible depth of flavor, creating a satisfying meal that transcends the ordinary and brings a hint of gourmet dining into the comfort of your home. Enjoy the vibrant combination of tastes and the luxurious textures, making this a meal worthy of any occasion!
