This Pesto Shrimp Pasta is a fresh and tasty dish that brings together juicy shrimp and creamy pesto on a bed of pasta. Quick to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
The mix of flavors makes it feel like a special treat, even if you whipped it up in no time. I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top—because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love cheese? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I use spaghetti, but any pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or penne works great too. If you’re gluten-sensitive, there are excellent gluten-free pasta options available.
Shrimp: Large shrimp is ideal for this dish, but feel free to use medium shrimp or even scallops if you prefer. Also, you can use frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Pesto: Homemade pesto is wonderful for freshness, but jarred pesto saves time and can be very tasty too! You can also try using sun-dried tomato pesto for a different twist.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan adds great flavor, Pecorino Romano is another good choice. Nutritional yeast can work as a dairy-free option.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Pasta?
Cooking pasta may seem simple, but there are a few steps to get it just right for your Pesto Shrimp Pasta:
- Use a large pot with plenty of water—about 4-6 quarts—for even cooking.
- Salt the water generously; it should taste like the sea. This flavors the pasta from the inside.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially during the first few minutes.
- Check for doneness a minute before the package instructions suggest. Al dente should be firm to the bite.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce’s consistency later on.
Following these tips will ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked and ready to soak up that delicious pesto sauce!
Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3/4 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pesto Shrimp Pasta will take you about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients, plus a few minutes for the pasta to boil. It’s a quick meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This will help create a perfect sauce later!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning will enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn!
5. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften. This adds a nice burst of flavor and color to your dish!
6. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
Lower the heat and add the drained pasta, cooked shrimp, and the basil pesto to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated. If it feels a bit dry, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Add Cheese and Season:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese will melt and blend beautifully into the sauce!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Pesto Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if you like. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a lovely zing if you choose to add it!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Pesto Shrimp Pasta that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, just add them to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes for only a minute or so to warm them up. This will save you some cooking time!
What If I Don’t Have Basil Pesto?
No worries! You can substitute it with other types of pesto, like sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto. Alternatively, a mix of olive oil, garlic, and grated cheese can create a simple sauce in a pinch.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply leave out the shrimp and add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms instead. You can also add chickpeas for protein!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to refresh the sauce.