Shrimp and Pesto Rigatoni

There's nothing like a comforting bowl of pasta with perfectly cooked shrimp and aromatic pesto to warm the heart. This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it also boasts a burst of flavors that will make your taste buds dance!

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb shrimp (tails removed)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) for garnish
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little kick

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, followed by the pesto sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp with the pesto.
5. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and let it melt slightly, blending everything together.
6. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Flavor Profile

This delightful dish features the rich nuttiness of the pesto, the sweetness of the shrimp, and the molten creaminess from mozzarella, creating a perfect balance of flavors that is both savory and comforting.

Enjoy cooking, my dear! If you need any substitutions or have questions about the recipe, just let me know!