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Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe

You know that feeling when you whip up a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also looks like it belongs on a restaurant menu? That’s how I felt after I made this Pesto Shrimp Pasta! The creamy, garlicky pesto paired perfectly with tender shrimp and al dente pasta.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Linguine or pasta of your choice
  • Shrimp peeled and deveined
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Pine nuts or walnuts
  • Garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Start by patting the shrimp dry, then seasoning them with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and tender. Remove and set aside.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve about half a cup of pasta water for later. The key is to not overcook the pasta, so keep a close eye on it.
  3. Blend fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, toasted nuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor. With the motor running, drizzle in olive oil until a smooth sauce forms. Add lemon juice for a zesty kick, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with a dollop of pesto and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated. Then gently fold in the cooked shrimp. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top if you're feeling fancy!
  5. Divide onto plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra cheese, and serve hot. It’s time to dig in and enjoy every bite!

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They cook quickly; once they turn pink, they’re good to go.
  • Toast the Nuts: Briefly toast the nuts before blending them into pesto for extra depth of flavor.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, use a bit of olive oil or pasta water to thin it out.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of fresh basil and garlic makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.