Lighter Creamy Pesto Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 lb linguine
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons dried basil or 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup pesto sauce
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine. Boil 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve a half-cup or so or of pasta water when draining.

2. 2

   Pour half-and-half into a skillet over medium-high heat; add pepper and basil, and simmer 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.

3. 3

   Blend in cheese and pesto sauce and simmer 3-5 minutes; adjust salt if necessary.

4. 4

   Add shrimp to sauce and simmer until they just turn pink, about 5 minutes.

5. 5

   Add linguine to sauce and toss. Add reserved pasta water if needed to correct the consistency of the sauce. Serve hot with crusty bread alongside.