PASTA WITH PESTO, SHRIMP, AND CURED HAM

Pasta with Pesto, Shrimp, and Cured Ham image

Provided by Danny Bowien

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 thin slice of garlic
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
4 cups (packed) fresh basil leaves
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
3/4 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano
1 pound pasta (such as gemelli or fusilli)
1 ounce thinly sliced Speck, country ham, or prosciutto, chopped
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Blend garlic, nuts, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 ice cube in a blender on low speed to a coarse paste.
Add basil, 1 cup oil, and 2 tablespoons ice water and purée until basil is almost incorporated. Add Parmesan and Pecorino; blend to combine.
Transfer pesto to a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto surface.
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook Speck, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 2 minutes. Add shrimp; season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until shrimp are just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; toss in pesto, pasta, and pasta cooking liquid.