Fettuccine with Arugula Olive Pesto & Shrimp

Last week was Tom’s birthday and I was so darn busy that I did not make a darn thing for him. Not even his morning smoothie or his cup of coffee. Isn’t that just terrible? I did do the dishes, stomach something that’s usually his responsibility and one of the chores I hate the most. Yet despite my chore penance, I still felt the need to make it up to him with a big, ridiculous meal. Because food is love right?

So this weekend I made him fettuccine from scratch. If homemade pasta does not say I love you, then I don’t know what does. I also brought out a very fancy olive oil from Pacific Sun that I had been saving for a special occasion. I love this olive oil. It’s fruity and buttery and everything a really good olive oil should be. Perfect for dipping bread, dressing salad or drizzling on pasta. Also perfect as the basis of an arugula and olive pesto that was the right balance of herbaceous, briny, garlicky, cheesy and luscious. I finished the pasta with some butter-sauteed local rock shrimp and we dug in.

There’s nothing more satisfying than making a really good dish to celebrate someone you love. In my eyes, a glass of wine and a bowl of pasta is so much better than any cake. It made a very happy birthday dinner.

[print_this text=’Print Recipe’]Fettuccine with Arugula Olive Pesto & Shrimp
Simply omit the shrimp for a vegetarian dish.

1 lb. Fettuccine
1 lb. peeled, deveined, de-tailed shrimp
2 tbsp. butter

1/2 cup good-quality olive oil (like Pacific Sun)
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
2 cups fresh arugula
1 oz. Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. pine nuts

In a blender or food processor, combine all of the pesto ingredients and pulse until blended and almost totally smooth. Set aside.

Set a large pot of water to boil. Once it comes to a rolling boil, salt the water generously and cook the pasta until almost al dente, then drain and toss with the pesto.

While your pasta water is coming to a boil, set a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, melt the butter and saute the shrimp for 5 minutes, or until they turn opaque (time really depends on the size of your shrimp). Remove from heat and place on top of the pesto-dressed pasta.

Serve immediately.

Makes 4 large servings.[/print_this]