Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe – An Easy 20 Minute Meal For Two!

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s ready to eat in just 20 minutes, look no further than this delicious Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe. With just a few simple ingredients you will create a satisfying and healthy meal that is bursting with flavor.

With little preparation required and only 10 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish on the table in no time. This delicious meal that is designed for two is elegant enough for a special dinner and yet easy enough to make on a busy weeknight.

The light and refreshing taste of the basil pesto mixed together with perfectly cooked shrimp are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. If that wasn’t enough good enough cherry tomatoes are added for a pop of color and provide a juicy texture to the dish.

Finish it off with a little Parmesan cheese for savory element that compliments the other flavors perfectly. The simple ingredients, straight forward instructions, and the amazing flavor will have you wanting to make this recipe over and over again.

Although the dish is delicious as written, it is also easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the protein, or adjust the seasoning, the possibilities are endless.

So, go ahead and give this Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe a try, and enjoy a healthy, delicious, and speedy meal. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!

What Type of Shrimp To Buy

When shrimp is the main protein ingredient like in this recipe, and also in this Cajun Shrimp and Rice recipe, it is best to purchase medium or large shrimp. They are the best size to provide the perfect balance of size and flavor.

You can buy fresh or frozen shrimp, either peeled and deveined or whole. If you choose fresh shrimp still in the shell you will need to peel and devein them yourself.

To devein, simply make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein using a sharp paring knife. Discard the vein and your shrimp are ready to cook.

Although this is a fairly easy process, I often choose to purchase shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. However, be sure to purchase uncooked shrimp, not the shrimp that is already pink in color.

You can also purchase frozen shrimp that is peeled and deveined. In fact, you don’t have to even thaw the shrimp before adding them to the pan. Although, the cook time will need to be adjusted and it will take slightly longer when using frozen shrimp.

How To Know When Shrimp Is Cooked

The key to making this shrimp pesto pasta recipe is to cook the shrimp so it is nice and tender. Overcooking shrimp will result in the meat becoming tough and rubbery.

Luckily it is easy to tell when shrimp is cooked through. That is because it will turn from the raw gray color to pink and opaque.

However it is important to keep a close eye on them during cooking process to avoid overcooking as the shrimp will cook quickly and can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a matter of seconds.

What Type of Pasta To Use

Spaghetti, fettuccini, or linguine work best with this dish, as their long and thin shape pairs well with the shrimp and pesto sauce. However, you can also use penne or rotini for a different texture and a more substantial bite.

How To Cook Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. This means that it is cooked but still has a slight bite. This texture ensures that the pasta remains firm and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.

To adjust the dish’s consistency, save some pasta water before draining the pasta, and use it to thin out the sauce if needed. Adding pasta water also helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.

What Is Pesto Made From

Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful sauce that is traditionally made from fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. To make homemade pesto, blend these ingredients together in a food processor until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Making your pesto from scratch allows you to control the flavors and texture, ensuring the perfect complement to your shrimp and pasta and it also allows you to accommodate for any special dietary needs. However, to make this recipe easy you can also choose a store-bought pesto sauce as well.

You can find fresh pesto sauce either in the specialty cheese display or near the deli at the local grocery store. However you can find jars of pesto in the condiment or sauce aisle as well.

How Shrimp Pesto Pasta Comes Together

This dish comes together quickly with very little effort therefore it is important to have all of your ingredients prepared and ready before starting this recipe. The first step is to boil the pasta in a large pot of salty boiling water.

Once the pasta is boiling, it is time to cook the shrimp in olive oil with a little Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Once the shrimp is cooked, it is time to assemble the dish.

Add the pasta to the skillet and stir in the pesto sauce. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are well-coated and evenly distributed. To top off the dish add the halved cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor, color, and texture that brings the dish to life.

What to Serve With Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Although this dish can be a complete stand alone meal, you can also pair it with a few other dishes to make it an even heartier meal. For instance you can add a fresh garden or Caesar salad to add some crunch and freshness to your meal.

And you can never go wrong with crusty bread or Four Cheese Garlic Bread that can be used to soak up any remaining pesto sauce.

And if you are a wine drinker, grab yourself a glass of crisp white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will further enhance the flavors of this delicious dish.

Make Ahead Meal Option

Although this dish comes together quickly, it’s also a great make-ahead meal. Prepare this recipe on Sunday and divide the dish into two and store them in Food Prep Containers.

This make-ahead option is perfect for busy weeknights or for prepping meals in advance to enjoy throughout the week. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

So there you have it, a delightful and easy-to-make Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for two. With its vibrant flavors, minimal prep time, and amazing flavor it’s a dish that’s sure to impress!

Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 ounces dry spaghetti pasta
• 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• 6 Tablespoons basil pesto
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved

Garnish (optional)

• Fresh chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Then cook the spaghetti pasta according to package directions for al’dente consistency

When the pasta is in the boiling water, heat the olive oil in a medium size skillet placed over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sprinkle them with the dry Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Cook for 2-4 minutes or until shrimp just turn pink in color. Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the hot burner.

When the pasta is al’dente drain the pasta and then add it to the pan with the shrimp. Stir in the pesto sauce and toss to coat the noodles and shrimp.

Top the pasta and shrimp with the halved cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Enjoy! Mary

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