Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta! It’s like a hug in a bowl. Just imagine tender, juicy shrimp dancing with silky fettuccine, all enveloped in a rich and vibrant pesto cream sauce. The flavors are bright and comforting at the same time! Whenever I make this dish, it instantly transports me to an Italian trattoria, and I can’t help but feel a little fancy, even on a weeknight. Plus, it comes together in about 25 minutes—perfect for those busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to favorites!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Prepare Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar in no time. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in a flash!
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in your fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente bite. Don’t forget to stir occasionally! Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for later!
Sautéing the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sauté for just a minute until it’s fragrant—oh, it smells divine! Next, add the shrimp, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Make sure not to overcook them, or they’ll get rubbery—nobody wants that!
Preparing the Creamy Sauce
Time for the creamy goodness! Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir it all together until you have a luscious, well-combined sauce. Then, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into that dreamy sauce. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up!
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the grand finale! Add the drained fettuccine pasta right into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together gently, making sure every strand of pasta is coated in that creamy, pesto goodness. If it seems a little dry, just add a bit more of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh basil for that extra pop of flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Rich, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.
- Bold flavors from the pesto combined with tender shrimp make every bite a delight.
- Comforting and satisfying, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Tips for Success
To make your Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta absolutely perfect, here are some of my trusty tips! First, if you like a thicker sauce, feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream to your preference. You can always start with a little less and add more as needed. If you want to switch things up, try substituting the shrimp with chicken or even veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a different twist. And don’t forget—using homemade pesto can elevate the flavor to a whole new level! Finally, for that extra zing, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Now, I want to share a quick note about the nutritional information for my Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. However, for a single serving, you can expect roughly:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Always feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta? No problem! Here are a few common ones I’ve come across:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day. Just reheat gently before adding the pasta.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it for chicken, scallops, or even veggies like broccoli or asparagus for a delightful twist!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it creamy!
What should I serve with this pasta?
Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce. It’s a match made in heaven!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Garlic Shrimp Pasta or Cajun Shrimp Pasta. You can also learn about the health benefits of shrimp here.
Print
Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta: 25 Minutes to Culinary Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A rich and flavorful dish combining shrimp and pasta in a creamy pesto sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, stirring to combine.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought pesto.
- Adjust cream quantity for desired thickness.
- Can substitute shrimp with chicken or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta