Quick Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe: 10 Min
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Introduction (≈100 words)
Busy weeknights call for dinners that are quick, flavorful, and satisfying—enter this quick pesto shrimp pasta recipe. Whether you’re craving seafood or want a vibrant Italian-inspired meal, pasta tossed with pesto and juicy shrimp delivers every time. Ready in ten minutes, this dish is perfect for American and European readers looking for a fuss-free yet delicious seafood dinner. Fresh shrimp, aromatic pesto, and al dente pasta come together in a single skillet—or dinner happens in a flash. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s ideal when you want something elegant but effortless.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (purchase fresh or frozen via Amazon Fresh)
- ½ cup prepared basil pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or vegan alternative
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Pro Tip: A good food processor helps make homemade pesto too—check out this food processor if you’d prefer freshly blended sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and curl—be careful not to overcook.
Step 3: Combine pasta and pesto
Once shrimp is done, reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta and pesto to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce seems thick, stir in a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water until creamy.
Step 4: Add cherry tomatoes (optional)
Stir in the cherry tomato halves for freshness and color. Let them warm for a minute, but don’t overcook—they should stay juicy.
Step 5: Plate and garnish
Transfer your pesto shrimp pasta to warm bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Variation Tips
- Make it creamy – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream, crème fraîche, or plant-based cream for a milder, creamy sauce.
- Add veggies – Toss in baby spinach, asparagus tips, or peas towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
- Spice it up – Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pan with garlic for a spicy kick.
- Herb swap – Try swapping basil pesto for sun-dried tomato, arugula, or walnut pesto for flavor variations.
- Protein swap – Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or chickpeas for vegetarian adaptation.
Why It Works
- Ultra-fast – Done in 10 minutes with minimal prep.
- Nutritious – Shrimp provides lean protein; broccoli or spinach adds vitamins.
- Globally inspired – Mediterranean Italian flavors, perfect across Western kitchens.
- One-skillet clean-up – Easy cooking and easy cleaning!
Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450–500
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
This quick pesto shrimp pasta recipe offers balanced nutrition—protein from shrimp and healthy fats from olive oil and pesto, with carbs primarily from pasta. Want to lower carbs? Use veggie noodles or whole-wheat pasta to boost fiber.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Side salads: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Greek salad pairs nicely.
- Bread: Serve warm crusty bread or garlic bread; the pesto-coated crusts are divine.
- Wine pairings: Try a light Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling Rosé for festive flair.
- Make it family-friendly: Omit garlic sprinkles and spice if cooking for picky eaters or kids.
Conclusion
This quick pesto shrimp pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner: flavorful, fast, and fuss-free. Juicy shrimp, vibrant pesto, and a few bright add-ins all come together in just 10 minutes to create a satisfying meal you’ll want again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish hits all the right notes.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest—it’s ideal for those evenings when you want something delicious without the time commitment. We’d love to see your versions too, so tag us on Instagram with #EasyYumFood!
For more quick and healthy dinners, explore our Quick Meals and Healthy Recipes categories.