Creamy Pesto Tortellini with Shrimp

Pesto one of the most scrumptious, basil and garlic filled sauce around. The best is normally made at home. Popular in Italy and around the world states it is usually served on Pasta, bread and a great addition to almost any savory dish. For this recipe I paired it with a Vegan sauce I picked up at my local grocery store.

Although I am not vegan, I often incorporate vegan dishes and products to some of my cooking. Especially if it is plant based items. They help me feel fuller and I enjoy having extra vegetables and fruit servings in a meal with out extra hassle. This particular one was a cauliflower alfredo, pairing it with the pesto made it especially tasty. I'd recommend adding the additional herbs and spices to help boost flavor.

This meal took about 35 minutes to make, It saved time, was filling and it has shrimp lol! Best part is that it is budget friendly, tortellini package was $7.99 at Costco, kale package was $1.97 at Walmart, Carrots were $.99 I had shrimp and the seasonings on hand. The total cost is $2.10 per serving! Why not try it?

Ingredients:

1 jar Pesto

1/2 cup vegan alfredo ( can use regular or homemade)

Tortellini ( any filling )

2 pieces of garlic chopped

1/4 onion chopped

1lb shrimp ( or less)

1 cup of frozen kale

1 cup of carrots * can be frozen

salt

pepper

1 tablespoon oregano

1 tablespoon Green herb seasoning + 1 tablespoon

1 table spoon garlic powder + 1 tablespoon

1 tablespoon onion powder + 1 tablespoon

1 tablespoon Haitian Episé + 1 tablespoon

1 teaspoon paprika + 1 tablespoon

1 tablespoon turmeric + 1 tablespoon

* the +1 tablespoons are for the creamy pesto sauce

Directions

1. Season your shrimp with the seasonings, plus a teaspoon of oil. Boil and make the tortellini according to package. After about 5 minutes toss in the carrots and frozen kale.

2. In a pot heat oil, add garlic, and onion cook until fragrant.

3. Remove onions and garlic and cook shrimp until almost done, then remove. Add in the pesto, alfredo, and seasonings. Add a cup of pasta water for flavor.

4. Toss in the drained pasta, carrots and kale, then onions, garlic toss. Then add the shrimp. Feel free to top with cheese . Serve and Enjoy.

Happy Eating!