Shrimp Pesto Pasta

This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is ready in a flash and tastes amazing! Juicy shrimp and linguine come together with creamy basil pesto for a meal that's on the table in just 20 minutes. The combination of seasoned shrimp and fresh pesto creates a dish that tastes like you spent much longer in the kitchen.

You'll love how the shrimp pairs with the herby pesto sauce and pasta. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything up and makes the flavors shine. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but tasty enough for company!

I've always loved the combination of seafood and pasta, and this shrimp pesto pasta brings them together perfectly. 

For the pesto, store-bought works wonderfully on busy nights, but in summer when my basil plant is thriving, I'll make a big batch from scratch and freeze portions for later.

When you prepare the shrimp, make sure not to overcook them. Just a couple minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl slightly - that's the sweet spot for keeping them tender and juicy.

I typically serve this with a simple side like marinated cherry tomatoes or a green salad. The pasta is filling enough on its own, so light sides complement it best.

My family always cleans their plates when this is on the menu, and I love how I can have such a satisfying dinner ready in less time than it takes to get takeout. Another quick and easy pasta recipe we like is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Linguine pasta: This long, flat pasta is perfect for catching the pesto sauce. We love linguine for this recipe! You can use another long pasta or even short pasta if that's what you have on hand.
• Medium shrimp: We used frozen medium-sized peeled and deveined raw shrimp. You can get fresh shrimp from the deli, too!
• Spice blend: The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika gives the shrimp fantastic flavor without overpowering the pesto.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality oil here since it adds flavor to the shrimp.
• Fresh lemon juice: This brightens up the whole dish.
• Basil pesto: For this recipe, we used store-bought pesto, but you can use your favorite homemade recipe if you prefer.
• Fresh parsley: This optional garnish adds a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. While waiting for the water to heat up, take this time to get your seasoning ready. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Once the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually around 8 minutes. Before draining, remember to scoop out about ½ cup of the pasta water - this starchy liquid will help your sauce come together beautifully later on. Drain the rest of the water using a colander and set the pasta aside.

While the pasta is cooking, toss your thawed shrimp in the prepared seasoning mix until they're evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly. 

Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You'll know they're done when they turn a beautiful pink color and curl slightly. Finish the shrimp with a splash of fresh lemon juice, then remove them from the skillet.

Return to the same skillet and add your drained linguine. Pour in about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water and toss everything around to loosen up the pasta. 

Now, add the basil pesto and gently toss until all the pasta is coated. The heat from the pasta and the pan will warm the pesto perfectly.

Finally, add your cooked shrimp back to the skillet and mix everything together. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top before serving hot.

Substitutions and Variations

• Switch up the protein. If you don't like shrimp, you could use your favorite protein instead. Grilled chicken or sautéed scallops work wonderfully.
• Try different pastas. While linguine works great in this recipe, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even short pastas like penne or bowtie.
• Make it creamy. Add a splash of heavy cream to the pesto sauce for an extra rich and luxurious dish.
• Add vegetables. Toss in some halved cherry tomatoes, spinach, or sautéed asparagus pieces with the pasta and shrimp for added nutrition and color.

Storing and Freezing

Store: Keep the Shrimp Pesto Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, warm leftover pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.

Freeze: While you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month, the texture of both the pasta and shrimp will change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add a little fresh pesto when reheating to refresh the flavors.

Recipe Tips

• Don't overcook the shrimp. They only need about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
• When cooking the shrimp, make sure your skillet is hot before adding them. This helps get a nice sear rather than steaming them.
• If you're using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat them dry before seasoning. Excess moisture will prevent them from searing properly.
• This dish comes together quickly, so have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking. The French call this "mise en place," and it makes the cooking process much smoother.
• Fresh lemon zest makes a great addition if you want more citrus flavor. Add it along with the lemon juice.

Can I use frozen cooked shrimp instead of raw?

Yes, but the results won't be quite the same. If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the very end just to warm through (about 1 minute) to prevent them from becoming tough. You'll miss out on the flavor from searing them with the seasonings, so consider adding a bit more seasoning to the pasta.

This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a total winner for busy nights. You'll love how the seasoned shrimp and pasta come together with the herby pesto in just 20 minutes. It's simple enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress anyone you're cooking for!