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

Scale

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.