Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Fresh Basil
Creamy, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Fresh Basil is the ultimate quick and elegant meal you’ll want on repeat Juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp are tossed with al dente pasta and coated in a rich, herby pesto sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Cherry tomatoes or sautéed vegetables for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- Step 2: Prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the shrimp. Add the prepared pesto sauce and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to coat the pasta evenly.
- Step 6: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and toss gently to combine.
- Step 7: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and optional cherry tomatoes or sautéed vegetables. Serve immediately.