If you are looking for a delightful dish that effortlessly combines fresh flavors with a creamy, comforting texture, this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Imagine perfectly al dente pasta coated in vibrant, homemade basil pesto, topped with juicy, tender shrimp. This dish marries bright basil, nutty Parmesan, and savory garlic into a sauce that elevates the succulent shrimp and pasta into something truly irresistible. It’s a quick 30-minute meal that feels like a special occasion but comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe so fantastic is how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component is essential, whether it’s the fragrant basil that packs brightness, the toasted pine nuts adding subtle crunch, or the tender shrimp providing silky, protein-rich bites. Here is what you’ll gather before the magic begins:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: Choose your favorite pasta shape for the perfect twirl and sauce hold.
- 1 lb large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, shrimp cook quickly and soak up the pesto beautifully.
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed: The hero of your pesto, offering that unmistakable vibrant aroma and flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a kiss of pungency to balance the richness of the nuts and cheese.
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted (or walnuts): Toasting brings out their nutty depth; walnuts are a great budget-friendly swap.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and salty, Parmesan gives the sauce its cheesy goodness and creamy texture.
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil: The silky base that binds the pesto ingredients and coats the pasta with lusciousness.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: A bright note that lifts the pesto and complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The finishing touch that enhances every flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente bite. This texture keeps the pasta firm enough to hold the creamy pesto without becoming mushy. Remember to reserve half a cup of the pasta water right before draining—this starchy liquid is the secret weapon for adjusting your sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Make the Pesto Sauce
While the pasta cooks, it’s time to work on that vibrant pesto that defines the dish. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend everything until it turns into a smooth, luscious sauce. Add a splash of lemon juice and pulse a couple of times to marry all the flavors. The lemon adds that perfect pop of acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and nuts.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil, then add your peeled and deveined shrimp. Sauté the shrimp for about two minutes on each side until they turn an inviting pink and develop a slight sear. Season with salt and pepper as they cook to bring out their natural sweetness and ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Pesto
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the freshly made pesto over the top and gently toss everything together. To reach that perfect creamy texture, add reserved pasta water gradually—it helps the pesto coat the pasta evenly without becoming too thick or dry.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once everything is perfectly coated and warmed through, dish out your pasta, garnishing with extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve it hot and enjoy the wonderful combination of aromatic pesto with succulent shrimp and pasta that tastes like a celebration in every forkful.
How to Serve Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes go a long way here. Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top add a fresh herb punch and a beautiful pop of green. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese amps up the creaminess, while a few toasted pine nuts provide delightful crunch. For a slight citrus zing, a few thin lemon slices or a light drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil can brighten the entire dish before serving.
Side Dishes
To complement this flavorful Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe, consider serving a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for some refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover pesto sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes, can add color and a healthy touch, rounding out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish in shallow, wide bowls showcases all the colors and textures, making each portion look inviting and vibrant. For an elegant twist, twirl each serving into neat nests before plating. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil or balsamic glaze artistically over the top to add a gourmet flair. A sprinkle of edible flowers or microgreens gives a restaurant-quality finish worthy of special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within two days for optimal freshness. The shrimp will remain tender, and the pesto will retain most of its bright flavor, though the pasta may soak up the sauce slightly over time.
Freezing
Freezing pesto pasta with shrimp is not ideal because the texture of shrimp can become rubbery upon thawing. However, if you want to freeze portions, pack the pasta and pesto sauce separately from the shrimp. Keep pesto in a small airtight container or ice cube trays for easier portioning. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat your shrimp pesto pasta without drying it out, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of pasta water or olive oil to help loosen the sauce and keep everything silky. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or overcooking the shrimp. Avoid microwaving at high heat as this can toughen the shrimp and cause the sauce to lose its freshness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely, while homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor, a high-quality store-bought pesto can save time and still taste delicious. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as some store-bought versions can be saltier or sweeter.
What type of shrimp works best in this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Large shrimp (21-25 count per pound) are ideal because they cook quickly, stay tender, and provide a satisfying bite alongside the pasta. Fresh or frozen both work fine, but be sure they are peeled and deveined before cooking.
Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
You can adapt it by omitting the shrimp and Parmesan. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative, and toss in sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety such as rice or chickpea pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.
How do I prevent the pesto from turning brown?
Using fresh basil leaves and making the pesto close to serving time helps keep it bright green. If you need to store it, cover the surface tightly with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure, and add a small drizzle of olive oil on top to protect the color.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe is truly one of those wonderfully simple yet impressive dishes that makes weeknight dinner feel special. It captures that perfect balance of fresh herbs, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and succulent shrimp that will have you coming back for seconds and eagerly sharing it with friends. Give it a try and enjoy the burst of Italian-inspired flavors with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Print
Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and flavorful Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe combining tender sautéed shrimp with a fresh basil pesto sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti or fettuccine. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a vibrant, satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined
Pesto Sauce
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted (or walnuts)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, minced garlic, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Add lemon juice and pulse a few times to blend evenly.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Shrimp and Pesto: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the prepared pesto over the pasta and shrimp. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and reach desired creaminess.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the pesto sauce consistency as needed.
- You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- For added heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes while sautéing shrimp.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
