Farfalle with Shrimp and Pesto

POINTS® Value: 8
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 14 min
Cooking Time: 10 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

We dramatically reduced the amount of oil in this lusty pesto without compromising flavor or texture. It’s comforting and satisfying—really fantastic.

Ingredients

	1/8 tsp table salt, for cooking pasta
	2 cup(s) basil, fresh, leaves
	6 Tbsp water
	3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, such a Parmigiano-Reggiano
	2 Tbsp chopped walnuts
	4 tsp olive oil, extra-virgin, divided
	3 large garlic clove(s), 2 left whole and 1 minced
	1 1/2 tsp lemon zest, freshly grated
	1/4 tsp table salt
	8 oz uncooked pasta, farfalle (bowtie) recommended
	8 oz shrimp, about 8 extra-large, peeled, deveined and cut in half lengthwise*
	1 cup(s) grape tomatoes, cut in half

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  
  
• Meanwhile, in a food processor, process basil, water, cheese, walnuts, 1 tablespoon oil, 2 whole garlic cloves, zest and salt until finely minced; set aside.
  
  
• When water comes to a boil, add pasta and cook as package directs until al dente, about 10 minutes.
  
  
• A few minutes before pasta will be done, heat remaining teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp; cook, stirring occasionally, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and minced garlic; sauté until shrimp is just cooked through and tomatoes begin to soften, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  
  
• Drain pasta; add to skillet with shrimp mixture. Off heat, add pesto and toss to coat. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

Notes

• *Or use 1/2 pound of large or medium shrimp, left whole.

  For a decadent creamy pesto, reserve 2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. When you toss the pasta with the shrimp in the skillet, add the reserved water and 2 tablespoons of reduced-fat cream cheese (could affect POINTS values).