The Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe is my idea of weeknight luxury—quick enough for a busy day, but elegant enough to impress anyone who sits at your table. Tender penne pasta mingles with plump, garlicky shrimp, all tossed together in a vibrant, basil-packed pesto sauce and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and bright basil leaves. The best part? It all comes together in under thirty minutes, yet every bite bursts with freshness and comfort. If you’re craving big flavor and minimum fuss, this is the dish you’ll want to revisit over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe keeps it deliciously simple, relying on just a handful of high-quality ingredients. Each element is essential—from the sweet shrimp to the aromatic pesto—and together, they create a pasta dish that’s as beautiful as it is mouthwatering.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: The perfect vessel for soaking up all the pesto sauce and getting a little bite with every forkful.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Shrimp cook quickly and offer a delicate, briny sweetness—try to get fresh or properly thawed shrimp for juicy results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The foundation for sautéing and flavoring both the shrimp and the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning your shrimp and pasta, bringing out every flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and aroma.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with deep, savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick; add as much or as little as your spice preference allows.
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto: Store-bought or homemade, it’s the heart of the dish—vivid, herby, and nutty.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, salty finish and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Lifts the flavors with just the right bit of brightness.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: A final pop of green and aroma that takes presentation to the next level.
How to Make Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Penne Pasta
Bring a generous pot of salted water to a boil, then add your penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still with a little chew. Before draining, don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your shrimp dry, season them with salt and pepper, and then add them to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the shrimp are pink and opaque—don’t overcook! Remove them from the skillet so they don’t go rubbery as we move on.
Step 3: Aromatics in Action
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet (and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice). Sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. It’ll smell amazing, but keep it moving so the garlic doesn’t brown or burn.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Turn the heat down to low and return the shrimp and drained penne to the skillet. Add in the basil pesto and a splash of that reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so the pasta and shrimp are coated in that gorgeous green sauce. Add the lemon juice and Parmesan, continuing to toss gently, and warm for another 1 to 2 minutes. If the sauce feels too thick, just add a bit more pasta water until you get your ideal consistency.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Take the skillet off the heat and transfer everything to a serving platter or bowl. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. The contrast of creamy sauce, sweet shrimp, and bright basil is what makes this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation and a boost of flavor, finish your Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a generous sprinkle of torn basil leaves. A few lemon wedges on the side let everyone brighten their dish to taste. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes won’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
This pasta is pleasantly rich, so pair it with a light, fresh salad—think peppery arugula or a crisp Italian mixed greens salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette. Some good, crusty bread or simple garlic toast is perfect for mopping up every last bit of pesto sauce. If you’re feeling extra festive, roasted asparagus or green beans complement the flavors nicely without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Portion the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe into shallow pasta bowls for an upscale, restaurant-style feel. For casual gatherings, serve family-style from a wide platter so everyone can dig in together. You could even fill individual ramekins with pasta for a chic dinner party look—don’t forget the garnish for that pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, but seafood should always be enjoyed sooner than later for best texture and freshness. Be sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to enjoy another bite.
Freezing
While pasta and pesto usually freeze well, shrimp can sometimes change in texture after freezing, becoming a bit chewier. If you decide to freeze, do so promptly after cooking and use within one month. For the best result, freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the shrimp, then combine and reheat gently when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until just heated through—this helps the shrimp stay tender. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is classic for trapping all the beautiful pesto sauce and shrimp, you can easily swap it for fusilli, farfalle, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles if you’re aiming for lower carbs. Just adjust your cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
What’s the best way to make homemade pesto for this recipe?
Homemade pesto is easy! Blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth. For the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe, use about 1/2 cup of your fresh pesto in place of store-bought.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, it’s simple to skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative to keep things creamy and flavorful. There are plenty of vegan Parmesan options that melt well and lend a similar rich, salty flavor.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Keep an eye on your shrimp—they cook quickly! As soon as they’re pink, opaque, and curl slightly into a C-shape, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast, so pull them from the skillet right away and add them back just before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, so leave them out for a milder flavor, or toss in extra if you (or your guests) like things with a kick. The Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe is all about making it your own.
Final Thoughts
Give this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe a try and you might just discover your new go-to dinner for any occasion—weeknight, date night, or Saturday night with friends. It’s impossibly quick, totally satisfying, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces around your table!
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Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp Pesto Penne recipe is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp with flavorful basil pesto and pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
12 ounces penne pasta
Large Shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon salt
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic:
3 cloves garlic (minced)
Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Basil Pesto:
1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
Parmesan Cheese:
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon Juice:
juice of 1/2 lemon
Fresh Basil Leaves:
fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Add Flavor: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce heat to low.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta, pesto, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
- Final Touch: Cook for another 1–2 minutes, adding more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a lower-carb option.
- Use homemade or store-bought pesto—both work well in this dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
