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If you are on the hunt for a delightful dish that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds, this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe is absolutely perfect. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp married with bright, blistered grape tomatoes, all tossed in a luscious pesto sauce, clinging lovingly to perfectly cooked spaghetti. Each bite bursts with fresh herbaceous notes balanced by the umami of Parmesan and that subtle zing from a squeeze of lemon, if you fancy. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with friends or family on any special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first key to making your Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe shine. Every item brings its own unique flavor, texture, or color to the dish, transforming simple pantry staples and fresh produce into a show-stopping meal.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Use your favorite type of long pasta; it serves as the perfect canvas for the pesto and shrimp.
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp gives the dish a succulent and slightly sweet seafood essence.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a gentle earthiness that elevates the shrimp’s flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of all the components.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth to the shrimp seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Used for cooking shrimp and blistering tomatoes, bringing richness and body to the sauce.
- 1 pint grape tomatoes: They blister and burst to add sweetness and a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
- ¾ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought): The star sauce that ties everything together with its herbaceous, nutty, and cheesy flavors.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, creamy finish that makes each bite irresistible.
- Fresh basil (and lemon wedges, optional): Basil leaves lift the dish with fresh brightness, while lemon wedges offer a zesty contrast.
How to Make Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, which seasons the pasta as it cooks. Add the spaghetti and cook it just until al dente according to the package directions — you want it tender but still with a slight bite. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining since this starchy liquid helps create an irresistibly silky pesto sauce later on.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear beautifully without steaming. Sprinkle the shrimp evenly with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness and pairs superbly with the pesto flavor profile.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook without moving for 1 to 2 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn bright pink and develop a slight crust. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to keep all that juicy goodness intact.
Step 4: Blister the Grape Tomatoes
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the grape tomatoes and cook them gently, stirring occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes. They’ll start to blister and burst, releasing sweet juices that add incredible depth and freshness to the dish.
Step 5: Incorporate Pasta Water and Brown Bits
Remove the skillet from the heat and pour in about 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Use your spoon to scrape up any flavorful brown bits stuck to the pan. These bits add an extra layer of savory richness that works magic in the final sauce.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Pesto
Return the skillet to low heat, then add your drained spaghetti, cooked shrimp with their juices, and the pesto. Toss everything together thoroughly so every strand of pasta and every piece of shrimp is lovingly coated. If the mixture feels thick, gradually add more pasta water until you reach a silky consistency that clings perfectly.
Step 7: Final Seasoning Adjustments
Give your creation a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed. This step is key to ensuring every flavor sings in harmony and hits that perfect balance.
Step 8: Top with Cheese and Herbs
Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan generously over the top and adding fresh basil leaves. For a bright kick, serve the dish with lemon wedges on the side, letting your guests decide if they want a splash of citrus to brighten their plates.
How to Serve Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic choice to add a vibrant green pop and wonderfully fragrant aroma. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese brings a creamy, salty finish. If you like a little zing, a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice over your plated Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe instantly brightens and balances the rich pesto flavors.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette, which contrasts the creamy texture beautifully. Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover pesto sauce, making sure none of that delicious flavor goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh, summery vibe, consider serving the pasta warm or at room temperature in a pretty bowl topped with extra parmesan and basil leaves. You could also heap the pasta into individual shallow bowls then garnish with halved grape tomatoes and even a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added gloss and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Although shrimp and pesto-based pasta freeze okay, their texture is best when fresh. If you must freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge to minimize texture changes and avoid freezing for best enjoyment.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving aggressively to keep the shrimp tender and pasta from drying out. Stir frequently to heat evenly and maintain the dish’s fresh-from-the-kitchen appeal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. The pesto coats them all beautifully, and different shapes can add a fun twist on texture.
Is it better to make homemade pesto or buy it ready-made?
Both work wonderfully for this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe. Homemade pesto offers fresh, vibrant flavors if you have the time, but a good quality store-bought pesto can save precious minutes and still deliver fantastic taste.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Pat them dry before cooking and only cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Shrimp cook very quickly and become rubbery if overdone, so watch closely and remove as soon as they’re opaque and pink.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap traditional spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the same instructions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe very adaptable.
What kind of pesto is best for this pasta?
Classic basil pesto with pine nuts and Parmesan is ideal, but you can experiment with other varieties like sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a delicious twist on the Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe quickly becomes a favorite for good reason: it’s simple, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s a dish that delivers comfort and elegance on the same plate. Give it a try, and I promise it will bring a little brightness and joy to your dinner table.
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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
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender shrimp are seasoned and sautéed, then combined with blistered grape tomatoes and al dente spaghetti tossed in a vibrant, herbaceous pesto sauce. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this pasta offers a delightful balance of freshness and richness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or other long pasta)
Shrimp
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- ¾ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
Garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
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 the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season evenly with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn bright pink and are just cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Tomatoes: Lower the skillet heat to medium, then add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the grape tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to blister and burst, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Deglaze Skillet: Remove the skillet from heat and add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift up any flavorful browned bits left from cooking the shrimp and tomatoes.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the skillet to low heat and add the cooked pasta, shrimp along with any accumulated juices, and the pesto. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly, adding additional pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if desired to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta topped with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like, for a fresh and bright finish.
Notes
- You can use any pesto variety you prefer, such as basil or sun-dried tomato pesto.
- If you’d like a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the tomatoes.
- Reserve pasta water carefully to adjust sauce consistency without watering down the flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine.
