Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe

This comfort Shrimp Pesto Pasta A comforting 20-minute Mediterranean dinner with juicy tomatoes and a hint of lemon zest. Topped with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it helps elevate this simple dish into bite-sized perfection!

Why you'll love this shrimp and pesto pasta

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

• Great for meal prep. Store it in a serving-size container and pop it in the microwave when you get home.
• Mediterranean style. The combination of shrimp, lemon zest, juicy cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese makes this pesto pasta a Mediterranean dish.
• Versatile. This pesto pasta can be served warm or served cold as a pasta salad right out of the fridge!
• Great for leftovers. Cook different kinds of short pasta and mix them up, or thinly slice leftover chicken instead of boiling shrimp.

Recipe ingredients

Lemon zest, herb pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and salty Parmesan cheese give this dish a Mediterranean flavor. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities.

for shrimp

• shrimp – I prefer medium or large shrimp because of the buttery tender interior. Shrimp are easily overcooked, so avoid eating them.
• Avocado oil – Feel free to use olive, vegetable, or coconut oil.
• lemon peel– It requires fresh enthusiasm.
• Red pepper flakes – Chili peppers also work.
• salt and pepper – Kosher salt and fresh black pepper work best for this.

For the pasta

• pasta – Pasta, lasagna, penne, and fusilli will all work.
• Pesto – try mine Homemade Basil Pesto Or use your favorite store-bought one.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Avoid Roma and heirloom tomatoes as they are too fleshy and have many seeds, making the pasta watery.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated cheese is better than bottled cheese.

How to Make Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Toss the pasta and pesto in the pot with the sautéed shrimp for less cleanup. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for more detailed instructions.

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

• Season the shrimp. Add shrimp, zest, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to a bowl until well combined.
• Show them off. Place the pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until completely pink. Don't cook them for too long as they will become rubbery. Remove them from the heat and set aside.
• Add pesto. Place pasta in bowl. Add pesto and stir until well combined.
• Serve. Transfer pasta to bowl. Top with shrimp, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. enjoy!

Tips and variations

Serve it hot or cold, this shrimp and pesto pasta is perfect year-round.

• Make it into a pasta salad. Once completely cooled, place the pasta in the refrigerator until completely cooled. Enjoy a refreshing pasta salad straight from the refrigerator.
• Exchange protein. slice mine Baked chicken with horseradish, new york steakor Hickory Crusted Salmon And use it instead of shrimp in this recipe.
• Make it spicy. Sprinkle pasta with chili oil to taste, or chop some Calabrian peppers for some heat.
• Add more cheese. Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or fresh mozzarella cheese over pasta for a cheesier texture.
• Use leftovers. Boil any leftover pasta you have in the pantry according to package directions. Drain and mix them together. The shape of the pasta may be different, but the taste is the same.

What to Serve with Shrimp Pesto Pasta

This Shrimp and Pesto Pasta is a hearty dinner option on its own. You can also combine it with some Grilled Zucchini with Tomato and Basil Bruschetta On the side. Air Fryer Asparagus Also great. For salad options, try my Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing or Roasted Pepper Peach Caprese with Balsamic Reduction.

Store correctly

Store it in portions for easy reheating throughout the week.

• refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Microwave for one minute or until hot. You can also cook in a saucepan (covered) over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Easier Pasta

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