There’s something magical about the aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil, mingling with the fresh scent of basil. Imagine digging into a bowl of shrimp pesto pasta, where perfectly cooked shrimp dance amidst twirling strands of pasta, all coated in a vibrant green sauce that’s bursting with flavor. fresh avocado mango salsa The dish isn’t just a feast for the taste buds; it’s a sensory experience that transports you straight to an Italian seaside café. For more inspiration, check out this Savory Italian Sausage Pasta recipe.
I remember the first time I made this shrimp pesto pasta. It was a warm summer evening, and my friends gathered around my tiny kitchen table, brimming with laughter and anticipation. creamy asparagus risotto Everyone took their first bite, and the room erupted into cheers. That was the night I realized that food is more than just sustenance; it’s a way to bring people together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This shrimp pesto pasta is incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights
- The fresh flavors meld beautifully for a deliciously satisfying meal
- It’s visually stunning with its vibrant colors, making it perfect for impressing guests
- Versatile enough to swap in your favorite proteins or veggies, this dish adapts to any occasion
My cousin once declared that she could eat this shrimp pesto pasta every day of her life without getting bored! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spaghetti or Linguine: Choose your favorite type of pasta; I love using linguine for its flat surface that catches the sauce beautifully.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works well; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking. easy spring pea soup.
Pesto Sauce: Homemade is best, but store-bought will save you time without sacrificing flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness and color; opt for ripe ones for maximum flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a nutty richness; avoid pre-grated versions if possible.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall taste; don’t skimp here!
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are crucial for depth; use as much as you can handle!
Fresh Basil Leaves: Just like your grandma said, fresh herbs elevate any dish—don’t skip these! lemon herb roasted chicken.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in olive oil and add minced garlic. Once fragrant, toss in shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque—about 3-5 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Pesto: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes along with your luscious pesto sauce. Stir everything together until combined and heated through—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Drain your pasta (reserve some pasta water) and add it directly into the skillet with the shrimp mixture. If it seems dry, drizzle in some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Finish with Cheese and Basil: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over everything and stir until combined. Finally, toss in fresh basil leaves for that aromatic kick—serve immediately!
Enjoy every bite of this delightful shrimp pesto pasta that’s sure to win hearts (and stomachs) at any dinner table!
You Must Know
- Shrimp pesto pasta is not just delicious; it’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner
- The fragrant basil and garlic elevate the shrimp, making every bite a party for your taste buds
- Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, meaning less cleanup for you!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente while sautéing the shrimp in garlic-infused olive oil. This ensures everything is ready at once, saving both time and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan can also take this dish to the next level.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried just won’t cut it
- Make sure your pasta water is well-salted; this enhances every component of the dish
- Lastly, don’t overcook the shrimp; they need only a few minutes to be perfectly tender
I remember the first time I made shrimp pesto pasta for my family. They were skeptical about my culinary prowess, but their delighted faces made it unforgettable!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
What type of pasta works best with shrimp pesto pasta?
Linguine or spaghetti are great choices for holding onto that delicious sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the shrimp for a kick!
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp pesto pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil in a creamy pesto sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be customized with your favorite proteins or vegetables. Imagine twirling your fork through perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious green sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add minced garlic. Once fragrant, add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Add halved cherry tomatoes and pesto to the skillet. Stir until heated through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss pasta: Drain the pasta (reserve some water) and add it to the skillet with the shrimp mixture. If needed, add reserved pasta water for consistency.
- Finish: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, stir, and toss in fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider substituting shrimp with chicken or incorporating sun-dried tomatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with olive oil to maintain moisture.