Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, glistening with vibrant green pesto, and studded with succulent, golden-edged shrimp that practically melt in your mouth. This Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta isn't just a meal—it's a culinary escape to the Italian coastline that you can create in your very own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet weeknight dinner, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, with slight golden edges.
- Reduce heat to low and add cooked pasta and pesto to the skillet with shrimp. Gently toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a smooth sauce.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well coated.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, with additional Parmesan and fresh ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure beautiful golden edges and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reserve pasta water before draining—its starchy magic helps create a silky, smooth sauce when mixed with pesto.
- Use high-quality store-bought or homemade pesto for the most authentic flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its peak texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 220mg
