Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Fresh and vibrant flavors
• Packed with protein-rich shrimp
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining
• Uses simple ingredients
• Restaurant-quality results at home
• Easily customizable with vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pesto Sauce

• ½ cup basil pesto
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of ½ lemon

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Toasted pine nuts
• Red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup reserved pasta water.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp.
10. Pour the pesto mixture over the pasta.
11. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
12. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
13. Garnish with basil, extra Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, or red pepper flakes if desired.
14. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta: Add ½ cup heavy cream to the pesto sauce.
• Chicken Pesto Pasta: Substitute grilled chicken for the shrimp.
• Vegetable Pesto Pasta: Add spinach, zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Version: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Spicy Pesto Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Seafood Medley: Add scallops or crab meat alongside the shrimp.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for Pesto Shrimp Pasta?

Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, and farfalle all work wonderfully with pesto.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes. Store-bought pesto is a convenient option and works very well in this recipe.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.

How do I keep shrimp tender?

Cook shrimp only until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery.

Can I make homemade pesto?

Yes. Fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice make an excellent homemade pesto.

Is this dish spicy?

Not as written, but red pepper flakes can be added for heat.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, and zucchini pair beautifully with pesto.

Why reserve pasta water?

The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It is best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.

What should I serve with Pesto Shrimp Pasta?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad make excellent side dishes.

Conclusion

Pesto Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and elegant meal that combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and aromatic basil pesto in every bite. Easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions, this dish offers a wonderful balance of freshness, richness, and satisfying texture. Once you try this simple recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite addition to your pasta collection.

Pesto Shrimp Pasta

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Pesto Shrimp Pasta is a fresh and flavorful meal featuring tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and aromatic basil pesto. This quick Mediterranean-inspired dish is ideal for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Boil and Sauté
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 12 ounces linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Toasted pine nuts (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat.
8. Whisk together the pesto, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water in a small bowl.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp.
10. Pour the pesto mixture over the pasta and toss gently to coat.
11. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
12. Garnish with basil, extra Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, or red pepper flakes if desired.
13. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
• Store-bought or homemade pesto both work well.
• Add spinach, asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to maintain a silky sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg