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If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, look no further than the Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together perfectly cooked shrimp, creamy pesto, and sweet roasted tomatoes all tossed with tender fettuccine for an experience that feels fancy but comes together in just about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive plate to share with friends, full of color, texture, and bright, irresistible tastes that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet incredibly important for delivering that rich and fresh flavor you want in the Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe. From the silky pasta to the garlicky tomatoes and the juicy shrimp, each addition balances taste, texture, and color perfectly.
- 10 oz. fettuccine pasta: Use fettuccine for its broad noodles that hold pesto beautifully; alternative options include tagliatelle or gluten-free pasta.
- 1 lb. cherry tomatoes: Halved for roasting, they add a pop of sweetness and juiciness that complements the pesto.
- 1 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive): This helps roast the tomatoes and infuses them with gentle richness.
- 2-3 cloves garlic (finely minced): Essential for that pungent, savory kick that wakes up the whole dish.
- ½ tsp. salt: Used to season the tomatoes and balance flavors throughout the dish.
- ¼ tsp. black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the roasted tomatoes.
- 1 lb. shrimp (21/25 count, peeled, deveined): Succulent and tender, shrimp brings protein and a touch of the sea without overpowering the pesto.
- 1 Tbsp. oil (olive or avocado): For cooking the shrimp to perfection without drying them out.
- ½ cup pesto sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, this herbaceous, creamy sauce is the star of the dish.
- ½ tsp. salt (divided): Additional seasoning to tie all components together.
- ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted, optional): Adds a toasty crunch that contrasts the softness of the pasta and shrimp.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A final sprinkle for saltiness and richness that elevates the dish.
How to Make Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your fettuccine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This ensures that your pasta remains firm and provides the perfect texture to soak up the pesto sauce without turning mushy.
Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes
In a large bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until they are fully coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in a preheated 400℉ oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch as their skins shrivel and their flavors concentrate into luscious bursts of sweetness that will transform the entire dish.
Step 3: Toast the Pine Nuts
While your tomatoes roast, spread pine nuts on a small baking sheet and pop them into the oven for about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they brown evenly. This step adds a subtle nutty crunch that creates another delightful contrast in your pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and tuck their edges inward. This quick cooking locks in the shrimp’s juiciness and gives you tender bites that pair wonderfully with the pesto.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with the pesto sauce, roasted tomatoes, and half a teaspoon of salt to bring out all the flavors. Plate the pasta with the cooked shrimp on top, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, and finish with an optional grating of Parmesan cheese. Now you’re ready to dive into the Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe with all its fresh, vibrant layers.
How to Serve Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly torn basil leaves or a squeeze of lemon zest can brighten up the flavors and add a fresh aroma that complements the pesto beautifully. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil also makes the dish pop visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for some crunch. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make an excellent accompaniment, enhancing the meal’s color and texture balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, twirl the pasta into neat nests on the plate, then nestle the shrimp artfully on top. Consider serving it family-style in a large shallow bowl where everyone can help themselves to the vibrant roasted tomatoes and silky pesto-coated noodles—it makes sharing feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the shrimp and pasta together for convenience, but save any fresh garnishes separately to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
Although pesto and shrimp don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this dish if needed by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Use within 1 month for best quality, and be aware some texture changes may occur in the shrimp once thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta and shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the pesto sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent overcooking the shrimp and drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is perfect because it holds pesto well, tagliatelle or even penne and farfalle can work beautifully depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it better to make pesto from scratch or use store-bought?
Both options work great. Homemade pesto offers fresher, brighter flavors, but a good-quality store-bought pesto is a fantastic time-saver and can be just as delicious when combined with fresh ingredients like roasted tomatoes and shrimp.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque with curled edges. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so aim for a brief 2-3 minutes per side for tender, juicy shrimp in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular fettuccine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt.
What if I don’t have pine nuts? What’s a good substitute?
If pine nuts aren’t available, toasted walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor similar to pine nuts in the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe combines ease and elegance in one beautiful, flavorful plate. Whether feeding family on a busy night or impressing friends at a dinner, it’s a true crowd-pleaser filled with fresh ingredients and satisfying textures. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your go-to pasta meals!
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Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Best Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe combines perfectly cooked fettuccine with flavorful roasted cherry tomatoes, succulent sautéed shrimp, and a rich pesto sauce. It’s a quick and delicious meal ideal for weeknights or casual gathering, enhanced with toasted pine nuts and optional Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 oz. fettuccine pasta (or tagliatelle, gluten-free if needed)
Roasted Tomatoes
- 1 lb. cherry tomatoes (or grape, cut in half)
- 1 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
- 2–3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
Shrimp
- 1 lb. shrimp (21/25 count, peeled, deveined)
- 1 Tbsp. oil (olive or avocado)
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup pesto sauce (prepared, homemade or store-bought)
- ½ tsp. salt (divided)
- ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted, optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and pine nuts.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Roast the Tomatoes: In a large bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of oil, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper until well coated. Spread them evenly on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skins start to shrivel and tomatoes soften.
- Roast the Pine Nuts: Place pine nuts on a small baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Toss and Serve: In a large bowl or pot, combine the drained pasta, pesto sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to taste. Toss everything together well. Plate the pasta mixture, top with sautéed shrimp, toasted pine nuts, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute fettuccine with tagliatelle or a gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Use store-bought pesto for convenience or homemade for fresher flavor.
- Toasting pine nuts enhances their flavor but they are optional.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
