Pesto Shrimp with Bow Tie Pasta

We are a pasta lovin’ family and it’s not just because I’m 1/4 Italian either!

Ava loves all pasta, my little foodie, especially bite size ‘fun” pasta like bow ties.

So I make quick weeknight pasta creations for my girl and her hardworking Daddy pretty often.

I created this Pesto Shrimp with Bow Tie Pasta when I was trying to think outside of the box and skip regular ol’ spaghetti and red sauce for Ava’s requested pasta dinner. I usually have a jar of pesto in the fridge {I looove the stuff} so I tossed together this warm pasta dish in under 15 minutes! I used large shrimp but chicken or sliced sausage would also be tasty. Serve warm for dinner or you can also chill it and serve as a pasta salad.

Ingredients:

Makes 6 servings

12oz box bow tie pasta
1 1/2 lbs shrimp, peeled {I use large}
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 7oz jar pesto {approx 1/2 cup}
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced
2oz can black olives, drained and sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
Parmesan cheese, for topping

Directions:

Add pasta to a pot of boiling salted water.
Cook according to package instructions, about 12 minutes.
Drain pasta and pour into a large bowl.
In a large skillet over medium heat add a couple swirls of olive oil.
Add the peeled shrimp, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook, stirring frequently, until pink.
Add shrimp to the bowl with the pasta and top with pesto, olives, and peppers.
Stir to combine. Add more salt and pepper if you’d like.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.
I like to serve the leftovers for lunch the next day {if you have any} cold like a pasta salad.