Shrimp Pesto Pasta 🍤🌿 Fresh, Garlicky Basil Pesto Meets Sweet, Seared Shrimp for a Vibrant, Speedy Dish

This one’s all about green energy — homemade (or high-quality jarred) pesto tossed with hot pasta and buttery shrimp. It’s fast, fragrant, and loaded with summery flavor. Perfect for when you want pasta with brightness, not heaviness.

The pesto clings to every strand, and the shrimp brings sweetness, depth, and a touch of luxury — all in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the shrimp:

• ¾–1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes or squeeze of lemon

For the pasta & pesto:

• 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• ⅓–½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade; see below)
• 2–3 tbsp pasta water (reserved)
• Optional: 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for richness)
• Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Optional Homemade Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
• ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt and lemon juice, to taste

Blend until smooth and vibrant green. Adjust texture with a splash of water or more oil.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Toss the Pasta

While pasta is still hot, toss it in a large bowl or skillet with the pesto, a bit of pasta water, and butter (if using). Stir until glossy and evenly coated.

Fold in shrimp and toss gently. Add more pesto or water to taste.

Step 4: Serve

Plate immediately. Top with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Add greens: Toss in arugula or baby spinach for peppery contrast
• Make it spicy: Add chili crisp or Calabrian chili paste to the shrimp
• Swap herbs: Try parsley or arugula pesto for a sharper bite
• Use a different protein: Chicken, scallops, or even crispy tofu

Pro Tips

• Use good pesto — it’s the core flavor. Homemade or fresh deli versions beat shelf-stable jars
• Don’t cook pesto — toss it with hot pasta off heat to preserve its color and flavor
• Add pasta water gradually — it helps loosen and bind the sauce
• Shrimp cooks fast — remove it as soon as it’s opaque and pink
• Want extra umami? Add a touch of anchovy paste or miso to the pesto

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Pesto Pasta is fast, fragrant, and full of green brightness. The sweet shrimp and garlicky pesto balance perfectly, creating a dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying — no cream, no fuss, just clean flavor.

Boil it. Blitz it. Toss and twirl. 🍤🌿🍝💚

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

• 🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
• 🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
• 🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
• 🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
• 🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
• 🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
• 🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick, delicious, easy recipes bring bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup
• 🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light, fresh & packed with protein and omega-3s with bright, satisfying flavor
• 🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
• 🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
• 🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.