Friday, April 11, 2008

Seafood Pesto Spaghetti



I was left with some cilantro pesto and I was trying to think of a different way to use it instead of making my usual pesto pasta. After much thought, I still couldn't come out with a better way to use it except to pan-fry some chicken breast cutlets and spread the pesto on top before serving. If I prepare it this way, then I would have to prepare at least two sides to go with my pesto chicken cutlets and make it an American dinner. Mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus sounded like a great side dishes. BUT, more work for me! So, ended out making this seafood spaghetti instead. All in one as my hubby preferred this better than the other version. Yeah, it's boring but he loved it! By the way, mine sharing what other way you used your pesto?



I added the juice from pan-frying the scallops and shrimps when mixing the spaghetti. You can also sprinkled a little crushed red pepper flakes before serving. Mmm...mmm... look at the bouncy shrimps and juicy sea scallops, who wouldn't want a bite?

My picky eater Evy who refused to try the chicken version was tempted to take a bite and hooked. She said, "Mmmm...hen hao zhi" and asked me to serve her a plate and cleaned the plate! :o)

Method:
Heat a saute pan with some olive oil. Fry the shrimps and sea scallops until cooked. Dish out and set aside. Heat the pan with more olive oil, stir-fry the broccoli and carrot until soften, add in the cooked spaghetti/pasta, shrimps and sea scallops, cilantro pesto and mix and blend well together, turn off the heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed.



This is my first time submitting my pasta entry to Presto Pasta Nights hosted by Once Upon a Feast. Do visit there to feast your eyes on the variety and interesting pastas that bloggers whipped up.

10 comments:

  1. I dollop pesto on grilled fish fillets (eg tilapia)!

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  2. Great dish - and who could possibly say boring??? In my world anything with shrimp and scallops is most exciting. Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights.

    As for other uses for pesto...how about instead of tomato sauce as a base for homemade pizza (which can be with homemade dough (add some pesto to that too) or on some flatbread. Add your fave topping or just cheese and voila.

    Add a dollop to soup or stews or scrambled eggs, did I say frittata? As you can see I could go on forever.

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  3. Thanks Tigerfish! How come I didn't think of that as I always looking for way to top my fish fillets. Great idea, thanks! :)

    Hi Ruth,
    Thanks for dropping by. Got your e-mail, thanks. Using pesto instead of tomato sauce as a base for pizza or flatbread, brilliant! I love it! Will try it when I make my next batch of pesto. Thanks! :)

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  4. Wow, I agree it's 很好吃!It has my favourite prawns and scallops! Clever Evy knows how to appreciate great stuff. Do a post on how you make those beautiful prawns!

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  5. Thanks D. I will do a post on how I made the shrimps. Good idea! Thanks.

    Thanks BBOven!

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  6. I use leftover pesto as a sandwich spread - sometimes mixed with mayo or sour cream. Plan pesto is a great addition to a grilled cheese and ham especially if you add a generous slice of tomato. We also love it slathered on grilled tomatoes. My granddaughter likes it on salmon. Karen

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  7. Hi Karen,
    Thanks for dropping by! Using it as a sandwice spread is a great idea. I have not thought of that before. Thanks to you, now I have another easy way to enjoy my pesto. :)

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  8. I mixed pesto in with ricotta as a layer in a veggie lasagna that I whipped up one night.

    Check out the recipe and photos at

    http://ivegotfoodonmybrain.blogspot.com/2008/03/necessity-being-mother-of-invention.html

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  9. Hi Avra,
    Thanks for stopping by. Will sure pay you a visit. :)

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