If you love fresh herbs, plump seafood, and creamy pasta all in one bowl, the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe just may become your new weeknight staple. This dish is a beautiful marriage of tender penne, juicy shrimp, vibrant basil pesto, and just enough cream to coat each bite in velvety goodness. It’s as comforting as it is elegant and comes together so quickly, you’ll hardly believe it’s homemade. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treating yourself to a little Italian-inspired luxury, this pasta delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe lies in its handful of ultra-fresh, flavor-packed ingredients. Each one serves a special purpose, creating a dish that’s colorful, aromatic, and deliciously satisfying.
- Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta grabs onto the creamy sauce, making every bite extra satisfying.
- Large Shrimp: Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and sweet, tender flavor.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing shrimp and adding a rich, fruity foundation to the dish.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves, but they infuse the whole pasta with a subtle kick.
- Basil Pesto: The star of the show, it brings fresh, herbal brightness and a touch of cheesiness.
- Heavy Cream (or Half-and-Half): A splash creates an ultra-creamy, silky sauce. Use half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth—plus, it melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Baby Spinach (optional): Toss in for a burst of color and a hit of nutrients, or leave out if you prefer it classic.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a mellow heat that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
- Fresh Basil Leaves and Extra Parmesan: Don’t skip these—they take your garnish game to the next level.
How to Make Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your penne pasta. Cook until the pasta is just al dente, usually around 10 minutes. Before draining, remember to reserve about half a cup of the cooking water—this is key for loosening your sauce later and helping it cling deliciously to the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, season your shrimp with a bit of salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes until they’re pink and perfectly opaque, then transfer them to a plate and set aside. Don’t overcook them—they should be plump and juicy!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed, and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for just a minute so the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown, infusing the oil with its irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Reduce the heat and stir in the basil pesto, followed by your cream or half-and-half and the grated Parmesan. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat if you’re feeling adventurous! Let the sauce simmer together for a couple of minutes, allowing it to thicken just a bit.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with your cooked shrimp. If you’re including spinach, now’s the time to toss it in. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss everything gently—this will help the sauce become glossy and cling perfectly to every noodle and shrimp. Season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Spoon the pasta into bowls and shower with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan. This final flourish of herbs and cheese wakes up the flavors and delivers a restaurant-quality finish to your Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe.
How to Serve Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of Parmesan and plenty of torn fresh basil will brighten the whole plate and provide those classic Italian flavors. For a splash of color, a few cherry tomato halves or a squeeze of lemon juice can also enliven every serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy shrimp pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a batch of garlicky bread straight from the oven. For something a little different, try serving it with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to add more greens to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine by twirling the pasta onto each plate for a stunning spiral presentation, or serve family-style in a big bowl at the center of the table. For a special touch, nestle the shrimp on top and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for a little crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to let the pasta cool slightly before sealing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing creamy shrimp pasta can be a bit tricky, but it is possible! For optimal quality, freeze the pasta and shrimp mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just know that the sauce may separate a little upon thawing, but a quick stir will help bring it back together.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the creamy consistency. If using the microwave, cover loosely and stir halfway through to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. They’ll work beautifully in the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe with the same juicy results.
Is there a dairy-free version for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan with your favorite plant-based alternatives, and look for a dairy-free pesto. The sauce will still be creamy and satisfying.
Can I use another type Main Course, Pasta
Penne is classic, but feel free to swap in rotini, fusilli, or even linguine. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time to make sure the pasta is perfectly al dente for the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Omit the cream entirely and add more pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can also opt for half-and-half or toss in extra spinach for a veggie boost.
What kind of pesto should I use?
Store-bought basil pesto works great, but if you have fresh basil at home, make your own for an ultra-fragrant, bright green sauce that makes the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe shine.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe is that rare combination of simple, fast, and downright delicious. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to share with friends, but it’s also quick enough to whip up just for yourself after a busy day. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own favorite pasta night tradition!
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Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Shrimp Pesto Penne dish that’s quick and easy to make. This Italian-inspired recipe combines succulent shrimp, basil pesto, and penne pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
12 ounces penne pasta
Shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Shrimp Seasoning:
Salt and black pepper
Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 cup basil pesto, 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional:
2 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish:
Fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook Penne: Boil salted water, cook penne until al dente, reserve pasta water.
- Cook Shrimp: Season shrimp, cook in olive oil until pink, set aside.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, add pesto, cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Combine: Add pasta, spinach, and shrimp. Toss, adding pasta water for desired consistency.
- Garnish: Top with basil and Parmesan.
Notes
- For a lighter version, skip the cream and use pasta water to loosen the pesto.
- Substitute zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Serve with garlic bread or salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
