Pesto Marinade for Chicken or Shrimp
Transform your grilled, baked, or sautéed chicken or shrimp into an irresistible dish with this vibrant Pesto Marinade. Bursting with the bright, herby flavors of fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and savory Parmesan cheese, this quick-to-make marinade features a blend of wholesome ingredients like garlic, pine nuts, and extra-virgin olive oil. Perfect for busy weeknights or summer cookouts, this recipe requires only 15 minutes of prep time and infuses your protein of choice with rich, Italian-inspired flavors. Whether you're looking to elevate your chicken or add a gourmet touch to shrimp, this versatile marinade ensures a juicy, flavorful result every time. Don’t forget to save a little pesto for drizzling or basting when serving!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cups Pine nuts
- 0.75 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 pounds Chicken breasts or shrimp
Directions
Step 1
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2
Pulse the ingredients a few times to create a coarse paste.
Step 3
Gradually stream in the olive oil through the feed tube while the food processor is running until a smooth pesto sauce forms.
Step 4
Place the chicken breasts or shrimp in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Step 5
Pour the pesto sauce over the chicken or shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated. Reserve a small amount of the pesto for basting or serving, if desired.
Step 6
Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours for more intense flavor.
Step 7
When ready to cook, remove the chicken or shrimp from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
Step 8
Cook the chicken or shrimp via your preferred method: grill, bake, or sauté until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F for chicken or opaque and pink for shrimp).
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or a wedge of lemon, and enjoy the bright, herby flavors of the pesto marinade.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1311.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3881.0 |
| Total Fat 281.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 53.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 23.0g | |
| Cholesterol 851.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4398.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 15.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 4.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 3.2g | |
| Protein 324.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 45.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1063.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2934.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories