Go Back
–+ servings
Delish Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipes

Delish Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipes

Buttery seared shrimp and al dente pasta are tossed in a vibrant basil pesto with lemon, garlic, and Parmesan for a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz linguine or spaghetti use your favorite long pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined thawed if frozen; tails on or off
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved optional but recommended
  • 0.5 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 0.5 cup pasta cooking water reserve before draining
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided, to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped for garnish
  • 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts optional for crunch

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente per package directions. Reserve 0.5 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Pat shrimp dry. Season with 0.5 tsp salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Add drained pasta, pesto, lemon juice, and 0.25 cup reserved pasta water. Toss until coated and glossy, adding more water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Return shrimp and sprinkle in Parmesan. Toss to combine. Taste and season with remaining salt if needed.
  • Serve hot topped with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and pine nuts.

Notes

Use a high-quality pesto for best flavor. Swap linguine for spaghetti or short pasta. For a lighter version, use zoodles for half the pasta and add extra lemon.

Nutrition

Serving: 200g | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 120g | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 120g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 120g | Monounsaturated Fat: 120g | Trans Fat: 120g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 120g | Sugar: 120g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 120mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 120mg