Easy Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Name: Easy Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Fresh basil leaves (use bright, aromatic leaves for the best flavor); 3 cloves Garlic (minced finely); 1/4 cup Pine nuts (toasted lightly); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 1/2 cup Olive oil (extra virgin); 1 pound Large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 8 ounces Pasta (fettuccine or linguine); 1 cup Heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (to taste); 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (chopped)

Sarah

Creating memories, one recipe at a time.

There’s something about the bright, fresh aroma of basil pesto mingling with garlicky shrimp that instantly lifts my spirits after a long day. When I whip up this Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta, it feels like a little celebration on the plate—rich, comforting, yet wonderfully light. What I love most is how effortlessly it comes together, turning simple ingredients into a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is actually ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a break from fast food or looking to impress guests without the stress, this recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. Let me show you how to bring this beautiful bowl of pasta to life in your own kitchen.

Why choose Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta?

Effortless elegance: This recipe blends simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. Quick prep time means you can enjoy a luscious, creamy sauce without waiting all night. Bursting flavor from fresh basil pesto and garlicky shrimp creates a vibrant, mouthwatering meal. Versatile pairing options let you serve it as comfort food or an impressive dinner for guests. Plus, it’s a perfect way to skip fast food while indulging in something nourishing and delicious!

Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Ingredients

For the Pesto Sauce

Fresh basil leaves – use bright, aromatic leaves for the best flavor in your creamy pesto shrimp pasta.
Garlic cloves – mince finely to infuse the sauce with a rich, savory depth.
Pine nuts – toast lightly to bring out their buttery, nutty flavor.
Parmesan cheese – freshly grated for a sharp, salty kick that melts perfectly into the cream.
Olive oil – opt for extra virgin to add smoothness and richness to the pesto texture.

For the Shrimp and Pasta

Large shrimp – peeled and deveined, they cook quickly and soak up the pesto’s garlicky essence.
Pasta (fettuccine or linguine) – choose a long, flat pasta that captures the creamy pesto sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream – adds luscious creaminess, making this dish irresistibly smooth.
Salt and pepper – season delicately to enhance every vibrant ingredient.

Optional Add-ins

Cherry tomatoes – halved and tossed in for a burst of color and tangy freshness.
Fresh parsley – chopped to garnish and brighten the final dish.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

For the Pesto Sauce:

Rinse Basil: Gently rinse bright basil leaves under cold water and pat dry. Dry leaves ensure a vivid green pesto and prevent watery sauce.
Blend Pesto: In a food processor, pulse basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth, creamy, and bright green. Season lightly with salt.

For the Shrimp and Pasta:

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add linguine, and cook 8–10 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Sauté Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, stir in heavy cream and reserved pasta water, then fold in pesto. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce coats pasta and glistens with green flecks.
Combine & Serve: Toss shrimp back into the skillet, stirring gently to coat. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Optional: Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta?

Complement this delightful dish and create a memorable meal experience that tantalizes all the senses.

Garlic Bread: Perfectly crispy on the outside and buttery inside, it’s an ideal vessel for soaking up that luscious creamy pesto sauce.
Arugula Salad: A light, peppery salad brings a fresh contrast, brightening the creamy richness of the pasta while adding a crunchy texture.
Grilled Asparagus: Charred and tender, this vibrant vegetable adds both flavor and visual appeal, perfectly balancing the dish’s creaminess.
Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of bright lemon zest right before serving invigorates the palate and enhances the dish’s aromatic herbs.
White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc elevates the dining experience, harmonizing with both the shrimp and the herbaceous notes of the pesto.
Chocolate Mousse: For a touch of indulgence, this light and creamy dessert offers a delightful contrast to the savory pasta and leaves guests swooning.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing sweetness, cleansing the palate between bites of the rich pasta dish.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: These provide a textural crunch and nutty flavor, creating a wonderful balance with the smoothness of the creamy sauce.

Storage Tips for Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the creamy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the creamy pesto shrimp pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on low heat, adding a bit of cream or pasta water to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, maintaining that delightful creaminess.
Room Temperature: Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture; creamy pesto shrimp pasta is best enjoyed fresh from the stove!

Expert Tips for Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Use Fresh Basil: Always choose fresh, vibrant basil leaves to ensure your creamy pesto shrimp pasta bursts with authentic, bright flavor.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque; overcooking makes them rubbery and tough—timing is key!
Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Toast Pine Nuts Lightly: Light toasting brings out their nuttiness without bitterness, enriching the pesto’s depth.
Adjust Creaminess Carefully: Add heavy cream gradually to achieve your perfect sauce texture without making it too runny.
Balance Seasonings: Taste as you go, seasoning with salt and pepper, so your creamy pesto shrimp pasta shines without overpowering delicate flavors.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pesto sauce up to 3 days in advance by blending the basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, then storing it in an airtight container in the fridge (this helps the flavors meld beautifully). Additionally, you can cook the shrimp and pasta, letting them cool before refrigerating them separately for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to enjoy your meal, simply combine everything in a skillet, add the cream, and warm through until heated, resulting in a deliciously fresh dish that’s just as wonderful as if it were made on the spot!

Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic creamy pesto shrimp pasta, ensuring every bite resonates with your personal touch and favorite flavors.

Gluten-Free: Swapping traditional pasta with gluten-free options, like brown rice or quinoa pasta, allows everyone to enjoy this dish without dietary concerns.
Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with a rich coconut cream or any plant-based cream to offer a creamy texture without dairy, perfect for vegan diners.
Protein Variations: Substitute shrimp with seared chicken or sautéed scallops for a hearty twist; each protein brings its unique flavor while maintaining the dish’s essence.
Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed spinach or fresh arugula for a nutritious green addition, elevating both the color and health factor of your creamy pasta.
Extra Flavor: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of lemon zest to experience an unexpected burst of heat and brightness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, simply omit the pine nuts in the pesto and replace them with sunflower seeds, which will still provide a delightful texture and flavor.
Pesto Variations: Switch up the traditional basil pesto with a sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto for a fresh spin that captivates with each rich bite.
Seafood Twist: Mix in some fresh scallops, crab meat, or even lobster for a decadent seafood medley that makes this dish feel truly luxurious and special.

Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my basil leaves are fresh enough for the pesto?
Fresh basil leaves should be vibrant green with no dark spots or wilting. They should smell fragrant and feel crisp to the touch. Avoid any leaves that are yellowed or slimy, as they will dull the pesto’s flavor and color.

What’s the best way to store leftover Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess and prevent the sauce from drying out.

Can I freeze Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta? If yes, how?
Absolutely! Freeze your pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. To freeze: cool the pasta completely, pack it tightly in the container leaving some room for expansion, seal well, and label it. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a bit of cream or pasta water.

What should I do if my pesto sauce tastes too bitter?
Sometimes, over-toasted pine nuts or too much garlic can cause bitterness. If this happens, add a bit more fresh basil, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Gradually mix and taste until the sauce becomes bright and fresh again.

Is Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta safe for pets if they sneak a bite?
It’s best to keep this dish away from pets. Shrimp is generally safe in small amounts, but ingredients like garlic, onion, and heavy cream can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always check with your vet before sharing any homemade human food with your furry friends.