This quick and tasty pesto shrimp pasta is perfect for busy days! It’s loaded with juicy shrimp and fresh basil pesto, all ready in just 20 minutes—what a win!
I love how these simple flavors come together so well. Serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan on top, and you’ll feel like a gourmet chef! Who knew fast could taste this good? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using linguine for its great texture, but penne or fusilli work well too. If you’re gluten-free, there are many gluten-free pasta options available that can suit this recipe just fine!
Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp are my go-to. However, frozen shrimp can work too; just ensure you thaw them completely before cooking. For a twist, you could even swap shrimp for chicken or add some veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
Basil Pesto: I usually grab a jar from the store for convenience, but making your own is easy and fun! You can substitute with other pestos like sun-dried tomato or arugula if you want a different flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese really enhances the dish, but feel free to use Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re watching your dairy intake!
How Can You Perfectly Cook Shrimp in a Flash?
Cooking shrimp quickly while making sure they’re tender and juicy is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil, then the minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
- Add shrimp, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remember, shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them!
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp that pairs beautifully with your pasta!
Easy 20-Minute Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For The Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as linguine or penne)
- For The Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- For The Sauce:
- 3/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Seasoning:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
- For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pesto shrimp pasta takes about 20 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta and shrimp, so it’s quick and easy for any day of the week. Perfect for a busy evening dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but be sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, making sure it becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn—watch it closely!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper as you go. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Combine with Pasta:
Now, lower the heat to low and add the drained pasta into the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in your basil pesto and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well! If the sauce looks a bit thick, use your reserved pasta water to loosen it up, adding a little at a time until it’s just right.
5. Final Touches:
Give everything a good toss to make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto sauce and warmed through. Taste it, and feel free to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you’d like some extra heat.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to serve your delicious dish! Place the pasta on plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this quick and flavorful meal!
Now, dive into your delightful pesto shrimp pasta and savor every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Pasta Works Best for Pesto Shrimp Pasta?
While linguine and penne are great choices, you can use any pasta shape you like! Feel free to experiment with spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if you’re watching your carbs.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of olive oil or chicken broth to help with moisture when reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition! Consider tossing in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini with the garlic and shrimp. Just make sure they’re cooked until tender before combining them with the pasta.