Description
Need a quick dinner idea that feels fancy but is ready in under 30 minutes? This **Pesto Shrimp Pasta** is your new go-to for busy weeknights, cozy date nights, or dinner with friends. It combines juicy shrimp with garlicky basil pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender spaghetti—all tossed together in one skillet for a meal that’s bold, vibrant, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re after an easy dinner, healthy snack upgrade, or flavorful pasta dish for any occasion, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s one of those dinner ideas you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, toss cooked pasta with the pesto over low heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and cooked shrimp. Stir gently until everything is heated through.
6. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality pesto—homemade or refrigerated store-bought—for the best flavor and vibrant color.
Don’t forget to reserve pasta water; it helps turn the pesto into a creamy, clinging sauce.
Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of broth or water to keep the shrimp from drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: quick dinner, pesto pasta, shrimp pasta, easy recipe, healthy dinner, food ideas