The Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta: Ready in Just 20 Minutes

There are evenings when you need a meal that’s comforting, delicious, and quick to prepare. This shrimp pesto pasta recipe perfectly meets all these criteria! Combining the freshness of homemade pesto and the flavor of seafood, this Italian-inspired dish can be prepared in less than 20 minutes and will delight the whole family.

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Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Pesto Pasta Recipe

This recipe has become one of our readers’ favorites, and for good reason! It combines simplicity, speed, and sophisticated flavors in a dish that still impresses every time. The contrast between juicy shrimp, aromatic pesto, and al dente pasta creates a perfect harmony that satisfies even the most demanding palates. In less than 30 minutes, from start to finish, you’ll have a meal on your table that seems straight out of a quality Italian restaurant.

Ingredients Needed for Shrimp Pesto Pasta

For the Homemade Pesto (about 1 cup):

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/3 cup almonds (or pine nuts)
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• Zest and juice of half a lemon
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Shrimp and Pasta:

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces spaghetti (or linguine for the pesto linguine shrimp option)
• Salt for pasta water
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves and parmesan shavings for garnish

How to Prepare this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe

Preparing the Pesto:

1. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, almonds, and garlic. Pulse until roughly chopped.
2. Add the parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Pulse again to combine.
3. While the processor is running slowly, drizzle in the olive oil until you achieve a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes for al dente.
3. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
4. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Cooking the Shrimp:

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Arrange the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are slightly golden.
4. Remove from heat as soon as they’re cooked to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Add the pesto to the hot pasta and gently toss. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little of the reserved cooking water to achieve a creamy consistency.
2. Incorporate the cooked shrimp and mix gently.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and parmesan shavings.

Tips for Successful Shrimp Pesto Pasta

• Quality ingredients: The simplicity of this recipe means that every ingredient counts. Use extra virgin olive oil, freshly grated parmesan, and the freshest shrimp possible.
• Perfect pesto: Use the « pulse » function on your food processor rather than continuous rotation to maintain some texture in your pesto.
• Pasta water is magic: The starch contained in the pasta cooking water helps bind the sauce and give it a silky texture. Don’t forget to reserve some before draining.
• Shrimp timing: Shrimp cook very quickly. Watch them carefully and remove from heat as soon as they turn completely pink to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

Variations and Substitutions

This shrimp pesto pasta recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to customize it:

• Other proteins: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, sliced steak, or pan-seared salmon.
• Vary the nuts: Use traditional pine nuts, walnuts, pistachios, or even sunflower seeds for a budget-friendly or allergen-free version.
• Vegan option: Use vegan parmesan in the pesto and replace the shrimp with pan-fried tofu or roasted chickpeas.
• Different pasta: Try with penne, fusilli, farfalle, or linguine for a delicious pesto linguine shrimp version.
• Creamy version: For a creamy pesto shrimp pasta, add 3-4 tablespoons of crème fraîche or heavy cream to your pesto sauce just before serving.
• Vegetable boost: Add halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, grated zucchini, or blanched asparagus for more color and nutrients.

What to Serve with Your Shrimp Pesto Pasta

This main dish is satisfying on its own, but for a more complete meal, serve it with:

• Crusty Italian Bread
• Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
• A glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp and Pesto

How to store and reheat leftovers?

Shrimp pesto pasta keeps in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil and gently warm over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to prevent them from releasing too much water into the pan.

How to prepare pesto without a food processor?

Use a traditional mortar and pestle: first crush the garlic and almonds, then gradually add the basil, oil, and parmesan. It’s more labor-intensive, but some say the result is even more flavorful!

How to avoid overcooking shrimp?

Shrimp are cooked when they form a « C » shape (and overcooked when they form a tight « O« ). Allow about 2 minutes per side for medium-sized shrimp. They should be pink but still slightly translucent in the center.

More Recipes with Pesto and Shrimp

If you enjoyed this recipe, also try these delicious variations:

• Shrimp and Broccoli With Honey Garlic Butter
• Bang Bang Shrimp
• Chicken and Shrimp
• Pesto and Shrimp Wraps for a Quick Lunch

This shrimp pesto pasta recipe brings together the best of Italian-inspired home cooking: simplicity, fresh ingredients, and outstanding flavor. What makes this dish truly special is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something that feels luxurious without demanding hours in the kitchen or professional culinary skills. The vibrant basil pesto, perfectly cooked shrimp, and al dente pasta create a harmonious balance that will have everyone asking for seconds.