Looking for a quick and flavorful pasta dish? This Shrimp Pesto Pasta combines perfectly cooked shrimp with a homemade basil pesto sauce and al dente spaghetti for a delicious, satisfying meal. Made with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and a zesty lemon twist, this easy pesto recipe adds a burst of flavor to your plate. Ideal for busy weeknights, this shrimp pasta is quick to make and a great choice for seafood lovers. Try it today and elevate your pasta game!

Ingredients

For the Pesto:

3 cups fresh basil leaves, destemmed
¼ cup slivered almonds
2 garlic cloves
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

For the Shrimp & Pasta:

1 pound spaghetti
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Pesto:
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, almonds, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the mixture is finely minced. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, processing until smooth. Set the pesto aside.
Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.
Cook the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Combine Pasta and Pesto:
Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the pot with the shrimp. Stir to combine. Add the prepared pesto and toss until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
Serve:
Divide the shrimp pesto pasta among six serving bowls and garnish as desired. Serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shrimp pesto pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines fresh, zesty pesto with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels fancy enough for entertaining.

Tips

Toast the almonds before blending to enhance their flavor.
Reserve extra pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency as needed.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.

Variations and Substitutions

Replace almonds with pine nuts or walnuts for a classic pesto variation.
Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or scallops for a different protein option.
Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A: Yes, store-bought pesto works as a convenient alternative, but homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor.

Q: How do I know when shrimp is cooked?
A: Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque, and curls into a “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become rubbery.

Serving

Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the flavors of basil and lemon.

Suggestions

Make this recipe ahead by preparing the pesto in advance and storing it in the refrigerator. For a touch of spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish.