Quick & Easy Shrimp Pesto Pasta: A 20-Minute Recipe for Flavorful Weeknight Dinners
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe is your ultimate solution for a fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that can be on your table in just 20 minutes! Whether you’re looking for a light yet indulgent weeknight dinner or an elegant dish to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this shrimp pasta perfectly fits the bill.
The star of this dish, succulent shrimp, is seasoned to perfection and quickly sautéed with aromatic garlic and delicate shallots. It’s then beautifully combined with your favorite pasta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a vibrant basil pesto that ties all the incredible flavors together.
Who doesn’t appreciate a truly quick and easy pasta recipe? For me, this is hands down the best shrimp pesto pasta recipe because it delivers on its promise of deliciousness in a flash. From preparation to plate, it’s ready to be savored in a mere 20 minutes – a true winner for any day of the week, especially those busy ones!
You might notice that I prepare my shrimp pesto pasta without heavy cream. This is a deliberate choice, as I find that the addition of cream can often mute the bright, fresh, and herbaceous notes of the basil pesto, which I want to be the star of the show. By allowing the pesto’s natural flavors to shine through, the dish feels lighter and more vibrant. However, if you prefer a richer, creamier sauce, feel free to add a splash of heavy cream or even a bit of reserved pasta water for a smoother consistency.
One of the many reasons I adore cooking with shrimp is its incredible versatility and the speed at which it cooks. It’s a lean protein that takes on flavors beautifully and requires minimal effort. If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy this fantastic seafood, be sure to explore some of my other favorite easy shrimp recipes, including my Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, the delightful Easy Breaded Shrimp, the zesty Spicy Shrimp, a flavorful Greek Shrimp Marinade, a comforting Easy Shrimp Curry, crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, or my savory Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Each offers a unique and delicious way to enjoy shrimp!
Why You Will Love This Quick Shrimp Pesto Pasta
This shrimp pesto pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease and maximum flavor. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to complicated cooking steps and lengthy ingredient lists. This recipe is designed for simplicity, requiring minimal cooking effort and allowing you to bring everything together quickly without any stress. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike who appreciate a straightforward approach.
- Wholesome & Simple Ingredients: You don’t need exotic items to create an extraordinary meal. With just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients like succulent shrimp, a jar of flavorful basil pesto, and a few pantry staples, you can produce a wonderfully comforting and vibrant bowl of food that’s truly packed with natural flavors. The beauty lies in the quality of each component.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor Profile: The natural sweetness of fresh shrimp creates an exquisite harmony with the bright, herbaceous notes of basil pesto. This delightful pairing is further enhanced by the tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes and the aromatic depth of sautéed garlic and shallots, resulting in a dish that’s incredibly well-rounded and satisfying to every palate.
Essential Ingredients for Your Shrimp Pesto Pasta
For precise ingredient quantities and detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card provided further down below.
- Pasta: While I typically opt for classic spaghetti to perfectly catch the luscious pesto sauce, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use any variety of pasta you have on hand or prefer. Excellent alternatives include tagliatelle, penne, fusilli, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even linguine. Always cook your pasta al dente according to package directions for the best texture.
- Shrimp: To ensure an easy and quick cooking experience, I highly recommend using medium-sized shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. This saves you valuable prep time. If you prefer a more substantial bite, larger shrimp would also work beautifully, just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly. Fresh or frozen (and properly thawed) shrimp both work well.
- Seasoning: The shrimp are wonderfully flavored with a simple yet impactful blend of Italian seasoning, a touch of paprika for color and mild warmth, and essential salt and freshly ground black pepper. This basic seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering the pesto.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These intensely flavorful tomatoes, typically packed in olive oil, add a delightful burst of sweet and tangy notes. Remember to drain them thoroughly before chopping to avoid excess oil, then chop them into bite-sized pieces to distribute their flavor throughout the dish.
- Pesto: For this recipe, I’ve chosen basil pesto for its vibrant color and fresh, aromatic flavor. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties if you’re feeling adventurous. Consider a spinach-almond pesto, arugula pesto for a peppery kick, or even a kale pesto for an added nutritional boost. Store-bought pesto is perfectly fine for convenience, but homemade is always a treat!
- Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch, adding a salty, umami depth that complements the pesto and shrimp. If you wish, Pecorino Romano, with its sharper, saltier profile, or another similar hard Italian cheese, would also be a fantastic choice.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for sautéing the aromatics and shrimp, providing a rich, smooth base for the flavors to meld.
- Garlic & Shallot: These foundational aromatics are sautéed until fragrant, creating a savory depth that elevates the entire dish. Shallots offer a milder, sweeter onion flavor than traditional onions, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
Delicious Recipe Variations to Try
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. Get creative with these simple variations:
- Dairy-Free: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by swapping out the traditional Parmesan cheese for your favorite plant-based dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy, umami flavor without the dairy. Ensure your pesto is also dairy-free if you are making it from scratch or check store-bought labels carefully.
- Low-Carb: For a lighter, low-carb version, simply serve the flavorful shrimp and pesto sauce over zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or even cauliflower rice instead of conventional pasta. These alternatives absorb the sauce beautifully and add extra vegetables to your meal.
- Alternate Protein Options: While shrimp is fantastic, you can certainly swap it for other delicious proteins. Consider adding cooked Italian sausage (crumbled or sliced), flaky pan-seared salmon, grilled chicken breast (shredded or diced), or even plant-based protein like pan-fried tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Boost with More Vegetables: Increase the nutritional value and texture by incorporating extra vegetables. Try sautéing zucchini slices, broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced bell peppers (any color), or mushrooms along with the shallot and garlic. Spinach or asparagus can also be wilted in at the very end.
- Add Nuts & Seeds for Crunch: Toasted pine nuts are a classic pairing with pesto, adding a wonderful buttery crunch. However, you could also use toasted walnuts, pistachios, slivered almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a different texture and flavor profile, plus healthy fats.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the spice level or flavor profile by incorporating different seasonings. A pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes can add a pleasant warmth. Dried oregano or thyme can enhance the Italian seasoning notes, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the entire dish.
How to Make Delicious Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Creating this flavorful shrimp pesto pasta is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Follow these simple steps for a dish that tastes gourmet:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (spaghetti works wonderfully) and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water – this will be crucial for thinning out the sauce later if needed, helping it adhere beautifully to the pasta.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp: While your pasta cooks, prepare the shrimp. In a large mixing bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly until each shrimp is evenly coated in the oil and spices. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Shrimp: Heat the remaining olive oil (2 tablespoons) in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and diced shallot. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly softened, but not browned. Next, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients & Finish: Once the shrimp are cooked, add the drained pasta and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Stir gently to combine everything. Next, fold in the basil pesto, ensuring it evenly coats all the pasta and shrimp. Allow it to simmer gently for just 1-2 minutes to warm through and allow the flavors to meld. Turn off the heat immediately and sprinkle generously with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. For a final flourish, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, fragrant basil leaves, and a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Serving Tips for Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Elevate your shrimp pesto pasta experience by pairing it with complementary side dishes that highlight its fresh flavors and provide a balanced meal. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Pair this healthy and flavorful shrimp pasta dish with a crisp, vibrant salad. Options like a zesty Lemon Arugula Salad with its peppery greens, an Easy Kale Salad dressed with a fresh lemon vinaigrette, or a hearty Chickpea Salad for added protein and texture, all make excellent companions.
- Don’t forget the bread! A side of some warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious pesto sauce. Consider serving garlic bread, a toasted baguette, or soft focaccia for a truly authentic Italian experience.
- Adding extra vegetables on the side is always a good idea to complete the meal. My Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables offer a burst of savory flavors, or these sweet and tangy Roasted Balsamic Carrots provide a lovely contrast. Steamed green beans or a simple sautéed spinach would also be delightful.
Handy Storage and Reheating Tips
Enjoying your delicious Shrimp Pesto Pasta as leftovers is easy with these simple storage and reheating guidelines:
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover shrimp pesto pasta should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will maintain its best quality for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to defrost it thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before you plan to reheat it.
- Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat the shrimp pasta gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave. The key is to avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can become rubbery. If the pasta and sauce appear a bit dry or clumpy, stir in a splash of water, chicken broth, or even reserved pasta water (if you saved some) to loosen up the sauce and bring back its creamy texture. Heat until just warmed through.
Common Questions About Shrimp Pesto Pasta
The best way to thin out your pesto sauce, if it seems too thick, is to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. This water contains starch that helps to emulsify the sauce, allowing it to coat the pasta beautifully and achieve a smoother consistency without diluting the flavor. Simply add it in small splashes until you reach your desired texture.
The choice between penne and spaghetti for pesto pasta often comes down to personal preference. I personally lean towards noodle-shaped pasta like spaghetti, tagliatelle, or linguine because their long strands are excellent at capturing and holding onto the rich, herbaceous pesto sauce. However, pesto is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with any shape of pasta, including short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Use whichever variety you prefer or have readily available in your pantry!
Absolutely! Pesto can be added straight from its container directly into your dish without any additional cooking. It’s a fantastic convenience for both hot pasta dishes and cold salads, as it’s perfectly safe and delicious to eat raw. While store-bought pesto offers incredible ease, you can also whip up a homemade pesto if you have fresh basil and a few minutes to spare, for an even fresher flavor!
More Delicious Seafood Recipes to Explore:
Seafood
Easy Cod Fish Tacos
Seafood
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Cod
Seafood
Baked Cod with Lemon
Mediterranean
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
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Shrimp Pesto Pasta
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Ingredients
- 10 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, diced, or 1/4 cup of diced sweet onion
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained and chopped
- 3/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
- fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- pine nuts, toasted, for garnish
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
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In a large bowl, add the shrimp and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well until the shrimp is evenly coated in the olive oil and spices.
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Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced shallot and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
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Add the cooked pasta and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir gently to combine.
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Stir in the basil pesto and simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm through and allow flavors to meld. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Turn off the heat and sprinkle generously with shredded Parmesan cheese.
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Garnish the finished dish with fresh chopped parsley, fresh basil leaves, and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pasta Water Tip: Remember to reserve some of the starchy water when you cook the pasta. This is an excellent natural thickener and emulsifier for your sauce. Use it to thin out the pesto if you want a lighter consistency, or to help the sauce better coat the pasta. It adds body and helps bind the flavors together beautifully.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.