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Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

This vibrant Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked shrimp, blistered grape tomatoes, and a luscious pesto sauce tossed with al dente spaghetti. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it combines fresh herbs, savory Parmesan, and a hint of lemon for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces spaghetti (or other long pasta)

Shrimp

  • 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

Vegetables & Sauce

  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • ¾ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil (optional)
  • lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 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.
  2. Prepare the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely. Season them evenly with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they turn bright pink and are just cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  4. Sauté the tomatoes: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the grape tomatoes. Cook the tomatoes for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to blister and burst, releasing their juices.
  5. Deglaze the skillet: Remove the skillet from the heat and pour in 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan to add extra flavor.
  6. Toss everything together: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp along with any accumulated juices, and pesto into the skillet. Toss everything well to coat the pasta evenly. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky consistency.
  7. Adjust seasoning: Taste your pasta and add additional salt or pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Optionally, squeeze lemon wedges over the top to add a fresh, zesty finish before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute the shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different protein option.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead of spaghetti.
  • If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Homemade pesto adds freshness, but store-bought pesto is a convenient time saver.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: shrimp pesto pasta, Italian pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, seafood pasta, pesto sauce, grape tomatoes, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/shrimp-pesto-pasta-recipe/