This Creamy Basil Pesto Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that’s sure to impress! Juicy shrimp are tossed with pasta and a rich basil pesto sauce that’s simply luscious.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up for a cozy dinner. I sometimes add a sprinkle of cheese on top, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love that extra cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works great here, but you can swap these for any long pasta like fettuccine or bucatini. If you want a gluten-free option, consider using zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal as they cook quickly and have great flavor. If you’re avoiding seafood, feel free to use chicken or sautéed veggies instead!
Basil Pesto: Store-bought pesto is convenient, but homemade can take the dish to the next level. If you’re short on basil, swap it with arugula or spinach for a different twist.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or a dairy-free version like coconut milk for a lighter option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese has the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free or vegan, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, as they cook quickly. To get it just right:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them. This helps give a nice sear.
- Flip them over once they turn pink. They’ll usually take about 4-6 minutes total.
- Remove them from heat as soon as they are opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch them closely!
How to Make Creamy Basil Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Sauce:
For Addition:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Just boil the pasta, cook the shrimp, and mix everything together for a creamy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain it and set aside. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water; you’ll need it later!
2. Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, toss in the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, pour in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Stir these together well and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This will bring out the flavors beautifully!
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it well in the creamy sauce. Next, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and the cooked shrimp. Mix everything until it’s heated through and nicely combined.
5. Finish Off with Cheese:
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The cheese will add a lovely creaminess!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious creamy basil pesto shrimp pasta hot! Top each plate with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if you like. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute the Shrimp with Another Protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using chicken, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the pesto and cream. For tofu, press it to remove excess moisture, then sauté it until golden before adding the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just ensure your pesto is also dairy-free if using store-bought!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to avoid overheating the shrimp.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose to ensure it’s cooked al dente.
