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Shrimp Pesto Pasta Dish

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish combines vibrant homemade basil pesto with tender pasta and succulent sautéed shrimp. Preparing it takes under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, fresh meal. The pesto blends garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil for a rich, aromatic sauce. Using reserved pasta cooking water keeps the sauce moist and silky. Toasted pine nuts and shaved Parmesan finish the dish with added texture and flavor.

Ideal for warm weather, this entrée balances fresh herbs and seafood, delivering a bright, savory experience. Simple techniques like pan-searing shrimp and careful mixing preserve freshness, while suggested variations invite customization with chicken or vegetables. A tasty, elegant plate ready in a flash.

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A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Sun, 31 Aug 2025 18:43:24 GMT
A plate of pasta with shrimp and pesto. Bookmark
A plate of pasta with shrimp and pesto. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

This shrimp pesto pasta brings together juicy shrimp with fresh basil and garlic in a vibrant homemade pesto sauce. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick summer dinner that still impresses. The dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

I first made this during a warm evening when I wanted something light but satisfying. Since then it has become one of those easy recipes I turn to when I want a crowd pleaser that feels special without a fuss.

Ingredients

  • Fresh basil leaves: packed with flavor and the star of the pesto, choose bright green and fragrant bunches
  • Garlic cloves: essential for aromatic depth, fresh cloves deliver the best bite
  • Parmesan cheese: adds savory richness real Parmesan blocks or wedges bring superior flavor compared to pregrated options
  • Pine nuts: provide a subtly sweet crunch toast them lightly to enhance their nuttiness
  • Olive oil: gives the pesto a smooth, fruity body extra virgin is best for flavor but use your favorite good quality oil
  • Shrimp: peeled and deveined, fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work well opt for medium sized for easy cooking and balanced texture
  • Canola oil: used for searing the shrimp as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor
  • Salt and black pepper: fundamental seasoning
  • Pasta: any favorite type works, linguine or spaghetti shine in this dish for glutenfree options, use your preferred brand
  • Cooking water: reserved from the pasta it contains starch that blends the sauce beautifully
  • Shaved Parmesan and pine nuts for topping: adds a final fresh and crunchy touch, enhancing texture and presentation

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Blend the Pesto:
In a food processor add about half the olive oil. Add basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pour the remaining olive oil over the top. Pulse several times to start blending. Scrape down the sides and pulse again. Repeat until you have a smooth, well combined sauce. Set the pesto aside until ready to mix with pasta.
Cook the Pasta and Reserve Cooking Water:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out about one cup of the cooking water and set it aside. This starchy water will help keep the pesto sauce silky when combined with pasta.
Prepare and Sear the Shrimp:
While pasta cooks, toss shrimp in a mixing bowl with salt, black pepper, pressed garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Preheat a large pan over medium high heat for a few minutes until hot, then add canola oil. Sear shrimp for approximately two minutes on each side until opaque and just cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear. Remove shrimp promptly to avoid overcooking.
Combine Pasta with Pesto and Cooking Water:
Place cooked pasta in a large bowl. Add the pesto and slowly pour in about half to two thirds of the reserved cooking water. Toss gently but thoroughly so the pesto coats the pasta evenly and the cooking water keeps the sauce moist and glossy.
Serve with Shrimp and Garnishes:
Either toss the cooked shrimp with the pasta or serve the pasta plated and place shrimp on top. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately for the best taste and appearance.
A plate of pasta with shrimp and pesto sauce.
A plate of pasta with shrimp and pesto sauce. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

Basil is my favorite ingredient here because it truly transforms simple noodles into a vibrant dish with its fresh aroma. I remember making this for a family picnic and watching everyone go back for seconds, delighted by how light yet satisfying it was.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shrimp pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the pasta tends to soak up the sauce, save some extra pesto and cooking water before storing. When reheating, add a splash of reserved cooking water and a bit of pesto to awaken the flavors and prevent dryness. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until just warmed through to avoid tough shrimp.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap pine nuts for walnuts or almonds if pine nuts are pricey or unavailable, toasting them yields the best nutty flavor. Use any pasta shape you love or keep it glutenfree with rice or corn based noodles. Chicken, scallops, or salmon are great alternative proteins if shrimp is not your favorite, and the same pesto sauce works beautifully for all.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pasta dish with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any extra pesto sauce. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon complements the fresh flavors wonderfully.

A plate of pasta with shrimp and pesto.
A plate of pasta with shrimp and pesto. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

Serve immediately for the best taste and appearance. Enjoy the bright basil forward pesto with juicy seared shrimp.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How do I keep pesto sauce from drying out?

Saving some pasta cooking water and stirring it into the pesto helps maintain a smooth and moist sauce texture.

→ What is the best way to cook shrimp for this dish?

Preheat a pan and sear the shrimp quickly on each side until opaque, about 2 minutes, to keep them tender and flavorful.

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta here?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well with this dish and pairs nicely with the bright pesto and shrimp.

→ Why toast pine nuts before adding?

Toasting enhances their nuttiness and adds a crunchy texture to complement the creamy sauce.

→ How should I reheat leftovers without drying out the pasta?

Warm leftovers gently, adding reserved cooking water and a bit of pesto to restore moisture and flavor.

Shrimp Pesto Pasta Delight

Bright pesto pasta paired with perfectly seared shrimp and fresh basil flavors.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: Italian-American

Portion Size: 4 Serving Size

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Pesto

01 2 ounces fresh basil leaves
02 2 garlic cloves
03 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shaved or shredded
04 3 ounces pine nuts
05 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 Salt, to taste

→ Shrimp

07 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
08 2 tablespoons canola oil
09 2 garlic cloves, pressed
10 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
11 Salt, to taste
12 Black pepper, to taste

→ Pasta

13 1 pound pasta, your choice
14 1/2 to 2/3 cup reserved pasta cooking water
15 Shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish
16 Pine nuts, for garnish

Steps to Make This

Step 01

Add half of the olive oil to a food processor. Incorporate basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt. Pour the remaining olive oil on top. Pulse several times, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended. Set aside.

Step 02

Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Set pasta aside.

Step 03

In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, black pepper, pressed garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.

Step 04

Heat canola oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for approximately 2 minutes on each side, until opaque throughout. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove shrimp immediately when cooked.

Step 05

In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with prepared pesto and 1/2 to 2/3 cup reserved cooking water until well coated and sauce is silky.

Step 06

Serve pasta with shrimp either mixed in or arranged on top. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts.

Additional Notes

  1. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, tossing frequently, to enhance their flavor.
  2. Reserve pasta cooking water to keep pesto moist and avoid drying out the sauce.
  3. Use gluten-free pasta to adapt this dish for gluten intolerance.
  4. Reheat leftovers gently with reserved pasta water and additional pesto to prevent dryness.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Food processor
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains shellfish, tree nuts (pine nuts), and dairy (Parmesan cheese).

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

These details are for informational purposes and aren’t a substitute for professional guidance.
  • Calories: 658
  • Fat: 55 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 11 grams
  • Proteins: 34 grams