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I’m thrilled to share my favorite easy shrimp pasta recipe with you! This Italian-inspired dish is my go-to for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines al dente spaghetti with a zesty homemade pesto and perfectly sautéed shrimp.
In just 20-30 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table. I love topping it with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor. Trust me, this shrimp pesto pasta will become your new favorite!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp pesto pasta recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s perfect for busy cooks who want a tasty meal fast.
It’s super quick to make. You’ll have dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Great for those busy weeknights.
The taste is amazing. The garlicky basil pesto and shrimp make a dish that’s full of flavor. Everyone will want more.
This recipe is also very flexible. You can use chicken instead of shrimp. Or pick any pasta shape you like. It’s easy to change up.
It’s a healthy choice too. The shrimp and fresh pesto make a meal that’s good for you. And it still tastes great.
This dish is also impressive. It’s perfect for feeding your family or having friends over. They’ll all love it.
This shrimp pesto pasta is my go-to recipe when I want something quick, tasty, and sure to please!
Try it once, and you’ll want to make it all the time. It’s that delicious!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love this shrimp pesto pasta recipe because it’s so versatile. Let’s dive into the ingredients and some handy substitutes.
For the pasta, I use 8-10 ounces of spaghetti. Don’t have spaghetti? No worries! Other pasta types like linguine or fettuccine work great too.
When it comes to shrimp sizes, I prefer 1 pound of medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined. These cook up perfectly and look impressive on the plate.
- 3/4 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds (pine nuts work too)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For cheese options, I stick with Parmesan, but feel free to experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
Additional ingredients include olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and cherry tomatoes. I like to garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
I start by cooking pasta in salted water. While it boils, I prepare the shrimp. In a hot pan with olive oil, I cook the shrimp until they are pink and look opaque. This takes 2-4 minutes.
Then, I make pesto. I blend basil, almonds, garlic, lemon zest, juice, and Parmesan in a food processor. As it blends, I add olive oil slowly to make a smooth sauce.
After the pasta is done, I drain it but keep a cup of pasta water. This water helps the sauce stick later. In the same pan, I mix pasta, pesto, and some pasta water together.
To finish, I add cherry tomatoes and extra Parmesan cheese. For a fresh look, I sprinkle chopped parsley on top. The result is a tasty shrimp pesto pasta full of flavor!
- Cook pasta in salted water
- Prepare shrimp in olive oil
- Blend ingredients for homemade pesto
- Combine pasta, pesto, and shrimp
- Add tomatoes and cheese
- Garnish with parsley
This easy process makes a meal like a restaurant’s in your kitchen. The fresh pesto and juicy shrimp make this pasta dish amazing.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I’ve learned some top cooking tips for shrimp pesto pasta. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp. They’re done when they turn pink and look opaque.
For the best pesto, use fresh basil and good olive oil. It really changes everything!
Now, let’s talk about storing leftovers. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, warm the pasta with a bit of water or broth.
Then, heat the shrimp in a skillet. This way, everything stays fresh and the shrimp don’t get tough.
My best trick is to make pesto ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for a week, or in the freezer for 3 months. To keep it fresh, cover it with a thin layer of olive oil. This keeps its color bright and taste great. With these tips and choosing the right ingredients, you’ll be a pro at making shrimp pesto pasta!