Shrimp with Green Chili Pesto

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this bold and vibrant Shrimp with Green Chili Pesto recipe! Juicy, perfectly seared shrimp are tossed in a zesty green chili pesto made with the fresh flavors of cilantro, parsley, and lime, balanced by the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese. The subtle heat from seeded serrano or jalapeño peppers adds just the right amount of spice, while optional toasted nuts bring a delightful crunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy yet gourmet dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, making it perfect for a quick meal or an impressive centerpiece for entertaining. Packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is irresistible for lovers of bold flavors and quick, healthy meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 cups Fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
• 1 cup Fresh parsley leaves (packed)
• 2 pieces Green chilies (such as serrano or jalapeño, seeded for less heat)
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 0.5 cup Olive oil
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts or walnuts (optional, toasted)
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil (for cooking shrimp)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set them aside.

Step 2

To prepare the green chili pesto, combine cilantro, parsley, green chilies, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and pine nuts (if using) in a food processor or blender.

Step 3

Blend the ingredients until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container as needed. Add a bit more olive oil if the mixture is too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.

Step 5

Season the shrimp lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 6

Once the skillet is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they begin to turn pink.

Step 7

Flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are cooked through and opaque. Do not overcook.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and toss the shrimp with the prepared green chili pesto until evenly coated.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a standalone dish or over rice, pasta, or sautéed vegetables. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(962.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1896.1

Total Fat 147.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.6g
Cholesterol 877.3mg	0%
Sodium 2172.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 26.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.4g	0%
Total Sugars 6.4g
Protein 128.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 914.1mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 2880.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.2%

Protein: 26.4%

Carbs: 5.4%