If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, fuss-free dinner that bursts with fresh flavors and comes together in a flash, this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s a delightful celebration of tender shrimp, lush pesto, and juicy grape tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti for a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you want to impress guests or treat yourself to something special, this recipe brings a wonderful balance of bright, savory, and herby notes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—from enhancing texture and flavor to adding pops of color that make the dish irresistible. Here’s what you’ll gather before you get started:
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or other long pasta): The classic base, perfectly sturdy to hold the pesto and shrimp without getting mushy.
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): Tender, succulent seafood that cooks quickly and adds protein and juiciness.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the shrimp, enhancing all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little peppery bite to balance the creaminess of the pesto.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Used for sautéing shrimp and grape tomatoes, delivering richness and helping flavors meld.
- 1 pint grape tomatoes: Burst of juicy sweetness and acidity that lightens up the dish perfectly.
- ¾ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought): The star of the show—herby, cheesy, garlicky goodness that ties everything together.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth and a delightful finishing touch.
- Fresh basil (optional): Sprinkle over the top for fresh, herbaceous brightness and a pop of green.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A little squeeze invigorates the dish with lively citrus notes if desired.
How to Make Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—the salt adds life to the pasta as it cooks. Follow the package directions to cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water before you drain it. This starchy water will be your secret weapon to bring all the elements together beautifully.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
While the pasta boils, gently pat your shrimp dry to ensure they sear properly. Toss them with dried oregano, salt, and pepper for a simple but effective seasoning. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then arrange the shrimp in one layer. Cook them until they’re just pink and firm, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Overcooking shrimp is a common mistake, so keep an eye on them—they’ll turn your dish from great to amazing.
Step 3: Sauté the Grape Tomatoes
Don’t wipe the skillet clean after cooking the shrimp—those little browned bits add incredible flavor. Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the grape tomatoes. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they blister and begin to burst open. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes and creates tiny pockets of sweetness that will balance the pesto perfectly.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta and Pesto
Remove the skillet from the heat and splash in two tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all those flavorful brown bits. Now add your drained pasta, cooked shrimp along with any juices, and the pesto. Toss everything vigorously so every strand of spaghetti gets coated with that rich, fragrant sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in more pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Toppings
Give your dish a taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if you feel it needs a bit more punch. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top and scatter fresh basil leaves over the dish. If you like a touch of brightness, serve with lemon wedges on the side for a quick squeeze right before eating—it adds a perfect final zing.
How to Serve Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe not only elevates the presentation but also layers in fresh flavors and textures. Fresh basil is a classic, offering a sweet, aromatic contrast to the rich pesto. Don’t underestimate a simple squeeze of lemon—it adds a zing that cuts through the richness beautifully. For a little extra crunch, toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can be delightful accents.
Side Dishes
A well-rounded meal is always more satisfying, and this pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy pesto perfectly. To add some extra color and variety, roasted asparagus or garlic bread can round out the plate and keep the meal feeling lively without overwhelming those brilliant shrimp flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe straight from the skillet keeps things casual and charming—perfect for cozy dinners. But for a touch of elegance, twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate and top with shrimp arranged like jewels on a necklace. You can also spoon a little extra pesto drizzle on top or even serve in large pasta bowls garnished with edible flowers to make your dinner table pop with personality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors tend to meld a bit more overnight, which can be delightful. When storing, keep in mind the fresh basil garnish is best added fresh after reheating to maintain its vibrancy.
Freezing
Because pesto and shrimp can be sensitive to freezing, it’s generally best to enjoy this dish fresh. However, if you need to freeze, portion out the pasta without the garnish and reheat gently. The texture of the shrimp might change slightly, but the flavor will still be lovely once thawed.
Reheating
When reheating your Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe, do so gently to keep the shrimp tender. Using a skillet over low heat with a splash of pasta water or olive oil allows you to warm it through without drying it out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, for even heating. Don’t forget to add fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan when serving again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just choose a pasta shape that will hold the pesto sauce well and cook it until al dente for the best texture.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought pesto?
Both are great options! Homemade pesto offers a fresh, vibrant flavor with the flexibility to customize ingredients, but a high-quality store-bought pesto can save time and still deliver fantastic taste, especially when balanced with the other fresh ingredients in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the spaghetti for a gluten-free variety. Many options maintain a similar texture and will work beautifully with the pesto and shrimp, making this dish accessible for gluten-sensitive diners.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cook very quickly—once they turn bright pink and opaque with a slight sheen, they’re done. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch closely during your 1–2 minutes per side sear.
Can I add other vegetables to the Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini ribbons, or bell peppers can add extra color and nutrition. Just add sturdier veggies like bell peppers earlier to soften, and delicate greens like spinach near the end so they wilt gently without losing their texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe your go-to dinner. It’s the kind of dish that feels effortlessly special, brings comfort, and makes weeknights something to look forward to. Once you try it, the harmony of flavors and easy steps will keep you coming back again and again—trust me, it’s a keeper!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Shrimp Pesto Pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti, succulent sautéed shrimp, blistered grape tomatoes, and rich pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying 25-minute meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or other long pasta
Shrimp
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- ¾ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Season evenly with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until shrimp are bright pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with grape tomatoes to the same skillet. Cook the tomatoes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to blister and burst, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Deglaze Pan: Remove the skillet from heat and add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Scrape the skillet’s bottom to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the drained pasta and shrimp along with their juices to the skillet. Add the pesto and toss everything well to coat, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth sauce consistency.
- Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- Use homemade pesto for a fresher flavor or store-bought for convenience.
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and thin the pesto sauce as needed.
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Optional lemon wedges add a nice citrusy brightness.
- You can substitute spaghetti with linguine or fettuccine.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking shrimp or tomatoes.
