This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a fresh, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and relaxed family dinners. Tender shrimp are tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, vibrant basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese to create a satisfying dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for guests or preparing a quick dinner after a long day, this easy pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you enjoy simple recipes packed with fresh ingredients, this pasta is sure to become a favorite. The basil pesto creates a rich, herbaceous sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti, while the shrimp cook in just a few minutes for a tender, juicy bite. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, and Parmesan cheese brings everything together with its savory flavor. Best of all, this recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and is easy enough for cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces dry spaghetti
- ¾ cup basil pesto
- 1 pound medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, turning once, until they become pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking.
Drain the pasta, reserving a few tablespoons of the cooking water if needed. Add the hot pasta to the skillet with the shrimp, then stir in the basil pesto until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Fold in the cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until combined, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the Shrimp Pesto Pasta immediately while it’s warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the pasta until just al dente so it keeps its texture after being tossed with the sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can quickly become rubbery.
- Reserve a little pasta water to create a smooth, silky pesto sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers the best flavor.
- Add baby spinach, asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Finish the dish with fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Pescatarian
Notes
This recipe works well with spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Homemade basil pesto adds an extra layer of fresh flavor, but a good-quality store-bought pesto is also an excellent option. For a little heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes before serving. Pair this pasta with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 530
Protein: 33g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fat: 23g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.
Which pasta is best for this recipe?
Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, and penne are all excellent choices because they hold the pesto sauce well.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
This pasta tastes best when served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed later.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Absolutely. Homemade basil pesto provides the freshest flavor and works beautifully in this recipe.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a little extra Parmesan cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Similar Recipes
easy shrimp pesto pasta
Ingredients
- 10 ounces dry spaghetti or linguine or fettuccine
- ¾ cup basil pesto
- 1 pound medium to large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- Chopped parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2–4 minutes, turning once, until they are pink and opaque.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed.
- Add the pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and stir in the basil pesto until everything is evenly coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier sauce.
- Fold in the cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is best enjoyed while warm.
Notes
- Fresh basil leaves make a beautiful garnish.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan before serving.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is the perfect combination of simplicity, freshness, and comfort. Juicy shrimp, fragrant basil pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese come together to create an easy meal that’s both elegant and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it to family and friends, this delicious pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a regular part of your meal rotation.