Shrimp and Pesto Pasta Recipe

This is comfortable Shrimp and Pesto Pasta A 20-minute Mediterranean dinner with juicy tomatoes and a hint of lemon zest that's super comforting. A generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan on top helps elevate this simple dish into a perfect bite!

Why You'll Love This Shrimp and Pesto Pasta

If you need an easy, hearty recipe that can be enjoyed hot or cold on a weeknight, this Shrimp and Pesto Pasta is for you.

• Great for meal prep. Store it in serving-size containers you can pop in the microwave when you get home.
• Mediterranean-inspired. A combination of shrimp, lemon zest, juicy cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan make this pesto pasta a Mediterranean dish.
• versatile This pesto pasta can be served hot or fresh out of the fridge for a chilled pasta salad!
• Perfect for leftovers. Boil and mix a variety of small pastas, or shred leftover chicken instead of cooking shrimp.

Recipe ingredients

Lemon zest, herby pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tangy Parmesan give this recipe its Mediterranean flair. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.

For the shrimp

• shrimp- I prefer medium or large shrimp for a medium, tender interior. Small prawns overcook very easily so avoid them.
• Avocado oil- Feel free to use olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil.
• Lemon Flavor – It should be fresh zest.
• Stay red chili- Pepper also works.
• salt and pepper – Best for kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper.

For the pasta

• pasta – Spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, and fusilli all work.
• pesto – try me Homemade Basil Pesto Or use one purchased from your favorite store.
• cherry tomatoes – Avoid Roma and heirloom tomatoes as they are very fleshy and contain lots of seeds that make the pasta watery.
• Cheese made in Parma – Fresh grated cheese is better than the bottled version.

How to Make Shrimp and Pesto Pasta

Stir the pasta and pesto into the pan with the fried shrimp to reduce clean-up. Scroll down to the recipe card below the post for more detailed instructions.

• Boil the pasta. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain it and set aside.

• Season shrimp. Toss the shrimp, zest, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a bowl until well combined.
• immediately. Place a pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and shrimp. Cook them for 3-4 minutes or until completely pink. Do not overcook them as they will become rubbery. Remove them from heat and set them aside.
• Add the pesto. Place the pasta in a bowl. Add pesto and toss until well combined.
• serve Transfer pasta to serving bowl. Top with shrimp, tomatoes and parmesan. Enjoy!

Tips and variations

Warm or cold, this shrimp and pesto pasta is perfect year-round.

• Make it a pasta salad. Once completely cooled, refrigerate the pasta until completely chilled. Enjoy it straight from the fridge for a refreshing pasta salad.
• Make protein swaps. my slice Baked Chicken Parmesan, New York strip steakor Pecan Crusted Salmon And use it instead of shrimp for this recipe.
• Make it spicy. Top the pasta with chili oil for flavor or chop up some Calabrian peppers for some heat.
• Add more cheese. Sprinkle pasta with 1/4 cup of shredded goat cheese or fresh mozzarella for a cheesier bite.
• Use leftovers. Boil a variety of leftover small pastas in the pantry according to package directions. Drain and mix them together. The shape of the pasta may be different but the taste will be the same.

What to serve with shrimp pesto pasta

This shrimp and pesto pasta is a hearty dinner option by itself. You can pair it with anything Grilled Zucchini with Tomato Basil Bruschetta On the side. Air Fryer Asparagus Also great. For a salad alternative, try mine Wedge salad with blue cheese dressing or Roasted Chili Peach Caprese with Balsamic Reduction.

Proper storage

Store it in serving-size portions for easy reheating throughout the week.

• Fridge: Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Microwave for one minute or until heated through. You can heat it in a pan (covered) on medium heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

More simple pasta dishes

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