Imagine a dish that combines the succulent sweetness of perfectly cooked shrimp with the vibrant, herbaceous flavors of classic pesto, all twirled around al dente pasta. This isn't just another recipe—it's a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional craving a quick gourmet dinner or a home cook looking to impress, this Shrimp with Pesto Pasta will transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and become slightly curled.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Do not clean the skillet.
- Drain pasta and return it to the same pot. Add pesto sauce and reserved pasta water, stirring to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gently fold cooked shrimp into the pasta, ensuring they are evenly distributed and heated through.
- Plate the pasta and shrimp, then garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcook the shrimp—they're done when they turn pink and slightly curl, which takes only 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starchy magic helps create a silky, smooth sauce when mixed with pesto.
- Use high-quality, fresh pesto for the most vibrant flavor—homemade is best, but a good store-bought version works too.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese right before serving to maximize its aromatic punch and creamy texture.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal texture of both pasta and shrimp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 570kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
