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Shrimp Penne with Callaloo Pesto an easy weekday dinner
Chantal

Callaloo Pesto Penne with Shrimp

An easy recipe that's quick enough to pull together on a weekday. The Pesto is made with callaloo and ackees so there's no need for cheese and I promise, you won't miss it
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Calories: 370
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box Penne pasta, cooked al dente (I used Barilla pasta)
  • 1/2 cup Reserved water from cooking the pasta
  • 1 Red bell pepper cut into strips
  • 1 tbsp Oil coconut olive, canola etc, use whatever you like
For the shrimp:
  • 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined whatever size you like
  • 2 cloves Garlic finely minced I like to grate mine on a zester
  • Salt red pepper flakes and pepper to taste
For the Pesto:
  • 1 can Linstead Market Jamaica Callaloo drained
  • 1 cup Linstead Market Jamaica Ackee about half the can
  • 1/3 cup Pumpkin Seeds
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 2 to 4 tbsps Olive Oil
  • Splash of lemon juice optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Season the shrimp:
  1. Mix the minced garlic with salt to make a paste.
  2. Rub the garlic paste over the shrimp and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and pepper if using. Set aside while you make the pesto.
Make the pesto:
  1. Blend all the pesto ingredients in a food processor till fairly smooth.
  2. Start with the lesser quantity of oil and add more if needed
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning.
To finish:
  1. Heat oil in a large saute pan (I actually like to use a wok since it's usually the biggest pot I have)
  2. Add shrimp in one layer and cook till just starting to turn pink. Add red peppers and cook briefly.
  3. Add pasta then some of pesto and cook till heated through. If necessary, add some of the reserved cooking water a little at a time to thin the sauce out. You may or may not use all the pesto depending on how saucy you like the finished dish.
  4. If desired: sprinkle with more red pepper flakes and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil
  5. Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe Notes:
You can use chicken instead of shrimp
Make it vegan! Omit the shrimp all together and add beans and/or more veggies like mushrooms or broccoli