Shrimp Pesto Pasta

This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is the ideal balance of creamy pesto, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta. The zesty, garlicky notes of the pesto paired with the richness of the cream make this dish truly irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or impressing guests at dinner, it’s sure to be a favorite!

The dish comes together quickly, offering you a healthy yet indulgent meal in under 30 minutes. The combination of bright pesto with a hint of lemon and the fresh shrimp makes it both flavorful and refreshing. You can customize it by adding veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for a weekend gathering.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add pesto and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the pesto sauce. Stir in the shrimp, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the shrimp to heat through.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 510 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a Go-To Dinner

What makes this shrimp pesto pasta so special is its simplicity. The recipe requires just a few basic ingredients, yet the result is a flavorful and satisfying meal. The pesto sauce, made from fresh basil and almonds, provides a fresh, vibrant base, while the shrimp offers a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy pesto. Best of all, it’s a one-pot dish, which means less cleanup and more time spent enjoying your meal.

The fact that this dish comes together in just 30 minutes makes it an ideal choice for those with busy schedules but who still want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of pasta and shrimp is filling and hearty, making it an excellent dinner option for families, dinner parties, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Fresh and Flavorful Pesto: The Key to a Delicious Dish

At the heart of this shrimp pesto pasta lies the pesto sauce, which is the secret to infusing the dish with vibrant, herbal flavors. Traditionally, pesto is made with basil and pine nuts, but in this recipe, almonds are used as a substitute. The nutty flavor of the almonds adds a subtle twist, making the pesto smoother and more aromatic than ever. The basil should be fresh and bright green, as it imparts a fresh, grassy flavor to the sauce. Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese further elevate the flavor profile, creating a pesto that’s not too heavy but rich in flavor.

While store-bought pesto is always an option for convenience, making the pesto from scratch really takes this dish to the next level. The process is easy: blend basil, almonds, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor, and slowly drizzle in olive oil to create a smooth, flavorful paste. This homemade pesto will give the pasta a freshness that store-bought alternatives simply can’t replicate.

A Versatile Dish with Plenty of Customization Options

One of the best things about shrimp pesto pasta is its versatility. While the recipe calls for shrimp and spaghetti, you can easily swap in your favorite proteins and pasta shapes. For example, if you’re not a fan of shrimp, chicken, salmon, or even tofu can be substituted in its place. The pesto pairs wonderfully with all types of protein, and you can easily adjust the cooking times to ensure your protein is cooked just right.

Additionally, you can experiment with different nuts for the pesto. If you don’t have almonds on hand, feel free to use walnuts, pine nuts, or cashews. Each nut offers its own unique flavor and texture, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, consider swapping the pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a lighter alternative.

For those following a vegan or plant-based diet, it’s easy to make this dish vegan-friendly by using a plant-based protein, such as chickpeas or tofu, and opting for vegan Parmesan cheese or omitting the cheese altogether. This way, you can enjoy the vibrant, fresh pesto without compromising on your dietary preferences.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a truly delicious pesto pasta is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan, and garlic. These ingredients are the backbone of the dish and will bring out the best flavors.
Use the Pulse Function on Your Food Processor: When making the pesto, avoid over-processing the ingredients. Pulse the ingredients until they are roughly chopped before adding the oil. This preserves the bright green color of the pesto and ensures a chunky texture that adds character to the dish.
Reserve Pasta Water: When cooking pasta, always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This water, which is salty and starchy, helps to bind the pesto to the pasta and creates a smooth, flavorful sauce. Adding pasta water to the pesto ensures it coats the pasta perfectly.

What to Serve With Shrimp Pesto Pasta

While shrimp pesto pasta is a hearty and filling meal on its own, you may want to serve it with some side dishes to complete your meal. Here are a few ideas to complement the flavors of the dish:

Olive Oil and Herb Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up any extra pesto sauce, this warm, crispy bread will add texture and flavor to your meal.
Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery garlic knots make an excellent side, adding a savory touch to the pasta.
Air Fryer Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, are a great way to add some extra color and nutrition to your meal.
Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pesto and offer a refreshing contrast.
Classic Caesar Salad: If you’re craving something more indulgent, a Caesar salad with homemade dressing will pair beautifully with the pesto pasta.

Storing and Reheating Shrimp Pesto Pasta

If you have leftovers, storing them properly will ensure they taste just as good the next day. Place any leftover shrimp pesto pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, remove the shrimp to avoid overcooking them, then gently warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or pasta water to restore its creamy texture.

Alternatively, you can store the pesto sauce separately and freeze it for later use. Homemade pesto freezes wonderfully, and you can store it in a plastic bag or airtight container for up to three months. Thaw the pesto in the refrigerator overnight before using it to make a fresh batch of pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly for this dish. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking, and they’ll taste just as delicious as fresh shrimp.
Can I make the pesto in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the pesto up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
What if I don’t have a food processor? While a food processor is the most efficient tool for making pesto, you can also use a blender or even finely chop the ingredients by hand. Just make sure the pesto remains chunky for the best texture.

Conclusion

Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish delivers both in flavor and simplicity. With its fresh homemade pesto, succulent shrimp, and versatile ingredients, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal that’s full of vibrant flavors. Plus, with the option to customize the dish based on dietary preferences and available ingredients, it’s a truly versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in countless ways.

This shrimp pesto pasta proves that with just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet without the extra time and effort. From family dinners to meal prep, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your household.