This Pesto Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty meal that’s full of flavor! Juicy shrimp and creamy pesto sauce come together over your favorite pasta for a delightful dish.
You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I love tossing in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness—so delicious! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I usually go for spaghetti or linguine, but feel free to swap in any pasta you love. Penne or fusilli can add a fun twist, plus they’ll hold onto the sauce nicely.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are the best choice for flavor. If you’re working with frozen shrimp, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. You can also use chicken or tofu if you prefer a different protein.
Pesto: Store-bought pesto saves time, but making your own is super easy! You can mix basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil in a food processor. If basil is hard to find, try spinach or arugula for a different yet tasty green sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese is always wonderful, but you can use any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives, which can still add creaminess.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll get it just right. The secret is to not overcook them! Here’s how I do it:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high before adding olive oil.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Lay them in a single layer in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on one side. You’ll see them start to turn pink.
- Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last 30 seconds and stir.
- Once they are pink and opaque, remove them from the heat right away to prevent overcooking.
Delicious Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pesto Shrimp Pasta recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and easy meal option. Perfect for busy nights or a flavorful lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before you drain it, remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, as you’ll need it later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. In the last 30 seconds of cooking, add the minced garlic and stir everything together. After cooking, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large bowl (or the same skillet if you prefer), toss the drained pasta with the basil pesto, mixing well to coat everything. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Add Shrimp and Cheese:
Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the pasta, mixing everything together. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Pesto Shrimp Pasta immediately. Add extra Parmesan on top, and feel free to garnish with fresh basil or parsley. For a fresh touch, you can also serve lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Pesto Shrimp Pasta! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or quickly thaw them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before adding them to the pan to ensure they sear nicely.
How to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also make a cashew cream by blending soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, garlic, and a bit of lemon juice for extra creaminess!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or broth to help loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to enhance the dish. You can toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers right before adding the shrimp. Just sauté them for a few minutes until tender and then continue with the recipe as usual.
