Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender sautéed shrimp, blistered grape tomatoes, and al dente spaghetti tossed in rich, aromatic pesto. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or other long pasta)
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 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)
Garnishes
- 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. Add the spaghetti and cook 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 their flavor.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn bright pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Tomatoes: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the grape tomatoes. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to blister and burst, releasing their juices.
- Deglaze Skillet: Remove the skillet from heat and pour in 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Use a spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet to add extra flavor to the dish.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp along with any juices on the plate, and pesto to the skillet. Toss everything together well to coat evenly. Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and season with additional salt or black pepper if necessary to balance the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately, optionally with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of pasta cooking water when tossing the pasta with pesto.
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for quicker cooking and easier eating.
- If fresh basil isn’t available, a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs can be added instead.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for meal prep or picnics.
Keywords: shrimp pasta, pesto pasta, Italian shrimp recipe, quick dinner, dinner with shrimp, tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, seafood pasta, weeknight dinner
Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/shrimp-pesto-pasta-recipe/
