Name: Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb orecchiette pasta (or any pasta of choice); 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 8 ounces small white mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1/4 cup white wine; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Red chili pepper flakes, as desired

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in a flash, this Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shrimp and earthy mushrooms bathed in a luscious basil pesto sauce, brightened with lemon and thyme, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a harmony of colors, textures, and tastes that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a spontaneous gathering, this pasta guarantees a satisfying meal without hours in the kitchen.

Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing not just flavor but also texture and balance to the dish. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, fresh, and come together effortlessly to create an impressive meal.

1 lb pasta: I used orecchiette for its wonderful shape, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli.
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp cook quickly and add a delightful seafood punch.
8 ounces small white mushrooms, sliced: These add earthiness and a gentle chew to contrast the shrimp.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides a fragrant base that brings warmth to the whole dish.
1/2 cup basil pesto: This herbaceous sauce is the star, infusing vibrant green flavor throughout.
1/4 cup white wine: Adds acidity and depth, perfectly complementing the seafood.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, citrusy lift.
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Thyme adds a subtle herbal note that ties everything together.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing, it imparts richness and helps develop flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
Red chili pepper flakes, as desired: Adds a touch of heat for those who like a little kick.

How to Make Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your chosen pasta just until al dente, following the package instructions closely. This ensures a perfect bite that won’t get mushy when you mix it with the sauce later. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside—you want the pasta ready to soak up the delicious flavors but still firm in texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they start softening and releasing their moisture, about five minutes. This step unlocks their full flavor and adds a satisfying bite to the dish that contrasts beautifully with the shrimp.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir frequently and cook for about two minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so keeping a close eye here is key to avoiding overcooking and maintaining that tender, juicy texture.

Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour the white wine into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—this is where much of the depth comes from. The wine adds a subtle acidity that perfectly balances the rich pesto and creamy broth in the next steps.

Step 5: Add Pesto and Seasonings

Stir in the basil pesto, fresh thyme leaves, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about one minute. This melds the flavors beautifully and creates a silky sauce that will coat every bite of your pasta.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now, add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. If the pasta has cooled, keep the heat on low and stir so everything warms through evenly. This allows the pasta to soak up the vibrant pesto sauce and ensures each forkful bursts with flavor.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Finish off by seasoning with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to taste. The chili flakes bring optional warmth that lifts the whole dish without overpowering it. Serve your Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta immediately while it’s warm and inviting.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or torn basil leaves on top for an extra hit of freshness and depth. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a glossy finish and an indulgent touch to each serving.

Side Dishes

This pesto shrimp pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus seasoned with garlic. For something heartier, warm crusty bread or garlic bread rounds out the meal perfectly, soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, try plating the pasta in individual nests on each plate, topped with shrimp and a sprinkle of chili flakes. You can also serve it family-style in a large shallow bowl, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the colors and textures together. Adding edible flowers or microgreens makes for a beautiful, restaurant-quality touch at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To preserve the best texture, store the pasta and shrimp together with the sauce—this helps the flavors meld even more overnight.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the shrimp’s texture may change after freezing. However, if necessary, freeze the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently to avoid drying out the shrimp.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Stir frequently until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the pasta unevenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture in your Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta.

Is there a substitute for white wine in the sauce?

If you prefer to skip the wine, use extra chicken broth with a splash of fresh lemon juice or a teaspoon of white wine vinegar. This keeps the acidity and flavor balance intact.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can omit the shrimp and add extra mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes instead. The basil pesto and veggies will still create a flavorful, satisfying pasta dish.

What type of pesto works best for this pasta?

A classic basil pesto, whether homemade or store-bought, is perfect here. Look for one with fresh basil, good-quality olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan for the best flavor.

How spicy is this dish with chili pepper flakes?

The heat level is completely adjustable. Feel free to add a pinch or more according to your taste. The chili flakes provide a warm glow in the background, not overwhelming the fresh, herbaceous pesto.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta is truly one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together without any fuss. Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want a fast, delicious, and impressive meal to share.

Quick and Easy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

A quick and easy pesto shrimp pasta recipe combining tender shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, and flavorful basil pesto for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Sauté Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they are softened and lightly browned.
Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir frequently and cook for 2 minutes until the shrimp begin to turn pink and are mostly cooked through.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits. This adds a rich flavor to the sauce.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the basil pesto, fresh thyme leaves, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 minute to meld the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the noodles in the sauce. If the pasta has cooled, keep the skillet over low heat just until everything is warmed through, then remove from heat.
Season and Serve: Season the pasta with salt, pepper, and red chili pepper flakes to your taste. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful pesto shrimp pasta.

Notes

Use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand; orecchiette works great but penne or fusilli are good alternatives.
For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add more mushrooms or grilled vegetables.
If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice.
Fresh basil pesto can be replaced with store-bought pesto for convenience.
Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
For a richer flavor, add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese when serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: Italian