If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that feels both fresh and indulgent, this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Combining perfectly cooked shrimp with al dente spaghetti and a luscious pesto sauce, this dish bursts with the bright flavors of grape tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a colorful, satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether weeknight dinner or weekend treat, every bite offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe is simpler than you might think, and each one plays an important role in building the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. From tender shrimp to vibrant tomatoes, every component harmonizes beautifully.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Use your favorite long pasta to soak up that creamy pesto in every forkful.
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, shrimp bring a sweet and tender protein element.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthy hint that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Brings the right touch of warmth and spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): For a silky cooking base and to blister tomatoes beautifully.
- 1 pint grape tomatoes: Provide juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color in every bite.
- ¾ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought): The star sauce that ties everything together with its fresh basil and nutty richness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that nutty, salty finish that makes the dish truly special.
- Fresh basil and lemon wedges (optional): Add brightness and a fresh herbal note as garnishes.
How to Make Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking your spaghetti until perfectly al dente sets the base for this dish. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that flavorful pasta water before draining; it will come in handy to create the perfect sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, dry your shrimp with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely. Sprinkle them evenly with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering their delicate flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and cook quickly for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn bright pink and are just cooked through. Remove them to a plate so they don’t overcook while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 4: Blister the Tomatoes
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the grape tomatoes. Let the tomatoes cook undisturbed until they start to blister and burst, stirring occasionally for about 6 to 8 minutes. These little tomato explosions add juicy sweetness and vibrant pops of color.
Step 5: Create the Sauce Base
Take the skillet off the heat and pour in two tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Use a spatula to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom – this adds a depth of flavor that makes the sauce truly special.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Pesto
Return the skillet to low heat and add the cooked pasta, shrimp along with their juices, and the pesto. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, adding more pasta water if needed to create a silky, well-coated sauce that clings to every strand and morsel.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Take a moment to taste your creation and adjust the seasoning. Add a little more salt or pepper if you feel it needs a flavor boost — this step ensures your Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe is perfectly balanced.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches
Top it all off with grated Parmesan cheese and scatter fresh basil leaves over your pasta for that signature fresh herbiness. A squeeze of lemon juice is optional but highly recommended to brighten the whole dish with a hint of citrusy zing.
How to Serve Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simplicity works wonders here. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top add a beautiful green pop and a fragrant lift. For an extra dimension, a few thin lemon wedges served on the side let everyone brighten their bowl to taste.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple green salads dressed in light vinaigrettes, or a crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that flavorful sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make for a colorful and healthful addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Present this pasta family-style in a large, rustic bowl to encourage sharing and an inviting meal feel. Or, twirl neat nests of the pasta onto plates, sprinkle basil and Parmesan artfully, and offer lemon wedges garnished with a pinch of sea salt for a restaurant-quality touch at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe tastes fantastic the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more, but shrimp can get a little firmer, so serve it gently reheated.
Freezing
While the pesto and pasta combination freezes okay, shrimp’s texture can suffer from freezing and thawing. If you want to freeze leftovers, separate the components: freeze the pasta with pesto sauce in one container and shrimp in another to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. For shrimp, heat just until warm to avoid rubbery texture — patience really pays off here!
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time to your pasta’s package instructions.
Is store-bought pesto good enough for this recipe?
Store-bought pesto is a perfectly acceptable shortcut and tastes great. However, if you have time, homemade pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil can elevate the dish to another level.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti. The cooking process remains the same, and the dish will be just as delicious.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp cook very quickly. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a bright pink color and curl into a gentle C-shape. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
What’s the best way to add lemon flavor to the dish?
A simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished pasta brightens all the flavors beautifully without overpowering the pesto. Lemon wedges served at the table allow everyone to customize their bite.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels impressive but comes together in no time, making it perfect for any occasion. From the juicy blistered tomatoes to the aromatic pesto and tender shrimp, every forkful is full of vibrant flavors that make me smile every single time. I encourage you to dive in and make it your own — I promise it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Shrimp Pesto Pasta 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 featuring tender sautéed shrimp, blistered grape tomatoes, and a luscious pesto sauce tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner with fresh herbs and a light touch of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or other long pasta)
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Sauce Components
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- ¾ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season Shrimp: While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season evenly with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn bright pink and are just cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Tomatoes: Reduce skillet heat to medium, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and grape tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes blister and burst, about 6–8 minutes.
- Deglaze Skillet: Remove the skillet from heat and add 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate flavor into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta, shrimp with their juices, and pesto to the skillet. Toss well to combine, adding more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and season with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve: Top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for brightness.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water as its starch helps emulsify and loosen the pesto sauce for a better coating.
- Use fresh or store-bought pesto depending on convenience.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; they cook quickly.
- Grape tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor but cherry tomatoes can be substituted.
- Fresh basil and lemon wedges are optional additions that enhance freshness and brightness.
