Avocado Pesto Pasta with Shrimp and Poached Egg

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes

🍽 Servings: 2

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 200 g (7 oz) spaghetti

• 200 g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

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For the Avocado Pesto Sauce:

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts)

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2–3 tablespoons pasta water (for thinning)

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For Topping:

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 2 eggs (for poaching)

• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

• Chili flakes (optional)

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

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Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Pesto

1. In a blender or food processor combine:

   • avocado

   • basil

   • pine nuts

   • Parmesan cheese

   • olive oil

   • lemon juice

   • garlic

2. Blend until smooth.

3. Add pasta water gradually until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

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Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked.

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Step 4: Poach the Eggs

1. Bring a small pot of water to a gentle simmer.

2. Add 1 teaspoon vinegar (optional).

3. Crack egg into a small bowl.

4. Stir water gently to create a whirlpool and slide egg in.

5. Cook for 3 minutes until whites are set but yolk remains soft.

6. Remove with a slotted spoon.

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Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Toss cooked spaghetti with avocado pesto sauce.

2. Plate the pasta.

3. Arrange shrimp and avocado slices around the pasta.

4. Place poached egg on top.

5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chili flakes.

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Tips for Best Flavor

• Use ripe avocado for a creamy sauce.

• Add a little lime zest for extra freshness.

• Do not overcook shrimp or they become rubbery.

• Serve immediately because avocado sauce can darken over time.