Go Back
To make creamy pesto shrimp pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) This creamy pesto shrimp pasta serves four and is a great choice for a weeknight meal. Each serving contains: - Calories: 550 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fat: 25g - Fiber: 2g This dish offers a balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making it a filling option. You can easily swap some ingredients for different flavors or dietary needs: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. - Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein. - Try a dairy-free cream alternative if you need a vegan dish. - Use homemade pesto for a fresher taste. These alternatives help you customize the dish to your liking while still keeping it delicious. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta and save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for now. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Next, add the pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir the cream gently and bring it to a simmer. Add 1/2 cup of prepared basil pesto and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach a smooth texture. Return the shrimp to the sauce and toss them gently to coat. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until all the pasta is covered in that delicious creamy pesto sauce. Taste it, and if needed, add more salt and pepper. To make great pasta, start with a big pot of water. Use lots of salt in the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Cook the pasta until it's al dente. This means it’s firm, but not hard. Check the package for the right cooking time. Save half a cup of the pasta water. You can use this later to make the sauce even better. The key to a creamy sauce is heavy cream. When you add it to the garlic and oil, stir slowly. Let it heat up to a gentle simmer. This helps it blend well. If the sauce seems thick, add some pasta water. This will help it mix smoothly. Always stir in the pesto and cheese next. This adds flavor and creaminess. Taste is key! After mixing everything, taste the dish. Add salt and pepper as needed. You can also try garlic powder or red pepper flakes for more flavor. If you love herbs, fresh basil is great on top. Cherry tomatoes add a nice touch too. They give color and freshness to the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of shrimp, use mushrooms or zucchini. Both add great texture. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach. Just sauté them with garlic before adding the cream. This will give your dish a fresh and colorful look. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many options are available, like rice or quinoa pasta. They cook similarly to regular pasta. Ensure you check the package for cooking times. The creamy pesto sauce works well with any pasta type. To boost flavor, try adding lemon juice or zest. This will brighten the dish and make it pop. For heat, add red pepper flakes while cooking the shrimp. You can also experiment with different herbs. Try adding fresh parsley or thyme for a unique twist. These small changes can make your meal even tastier! To keep your creamy pesto shrimp pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the pasta to room temperature first. This way, it won't steam inside the container and create moisture. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When it's time to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the pasta gently. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat it in short bursts. This prevents overcooking. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until it’s warm. To freeze this dish, first, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned before. This keeps the flavors and texture intact. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. Make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. This way, they will cook evenly. Cook the shrimp as you normally would in the recipe. They will turn pink and opaque when done. To add spice, try these simple tips. You can add red pepper flakes while cooking. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also use spicy pesto instead of regular pesto. Another option is to add a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. Adjust the spice to your taste. If you want to avoid heavy cream, you have options. You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Another good choice is coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Greek yogurt can also work but will change the texture. Just mix it in slowly and adjust to your liking. This blog covered key steps to making a delicious creamy pesto shrimp pasta. We explored the ingredients, showed how to prepare the pasta, cook the shrimp, and create the sauce. I provided tips for cooking and options for different diets. Remember to store your dish correctly to keep it fresh. You can customize the recipe to suit your taste and needs. Enjoy trying new flavors! Happy cooking!

Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a delicious Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta that's ready in just 25 minutes! This recipe combines tender shrimp, fettuccine, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce for a dish that's perfect for any occasion. Discover step-by-step instructions and presentation tips to impress your family and friends. Dive into this mouthwatering meal and elevate your dinner game! Click to explore the recipe and make it tonight!
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup prepared basil pesto

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir frequently and bring it to a gentle simmer.

          Fold in the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined and creamy.

            If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

              Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy pesto sauce.

                Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.

                  Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pesto shrimp pasta in a large bowl, topped with fresh basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.