Gnocchi with Shrimp, Asparagus and Pesto

  • 4
  • 10 mins
  • 20 mins

Ingredients

  • For the pesto (can also use store-bought pesto if short on time):
  • 2 quarts plus 1 tbsp. water, divided
  • 1 (16 ounce) package vacuum-packed gnocchi
  • 4 cups sliced asparagus (about 1 pound)
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp. toasted pine nuts
  • 2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. minced garlic
  • 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

Step 1

1. Bring 2 quarts water to boil in a pot. While waiting for water to boil, heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes or until shrimp are cooked through. Remove from heat. If there is a lot of liquid in the pan, drain it off.
2. Meanwhile, add gnocchi to boiling water. Cook 4 minutes or until done (gnocchi will rise to surface). Remove gnocchi from water with a slotted spoon and place in pan with shrimp and asparagus.
3. Prepare pesto sauce or add store-bought sauce to the pan. Stir gently and serve immediately.

Homemade Pesto Sauce
Combine 1 tbsp. water, basil and next 4 ingredients (minus olive oil) in a food processor; process until smooth, scraping sides. Drizzle olive oil through food chute with food processor on; process until well blended. Add basil mixture to shrimp mixture; toss to coat.