This comforting shrimp and pesto pasta with juicy tomatoes and hints of lemon zest is a 20-minute Mediterranean dinner that’s so comforting. A lot of freshly-grated parmesan on prime assist elevate this straightforward dish to 1 good chew!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Pesto Pasta

For those who want a straightforward, hearty recipe that may be loved sizzling or chilly on a weeknight, this shrimp and pesto pasta is for you.

• Nice for meal prep. Retailer it in serving-size containers you may simply pop into the microwave once you get dwelling.
• Mediterranean-inspired. The mixture of shrimp, lemon zest, juicy cherry tomatoes, and parmesan make this pesto pasta a Mediterranean dish.
• Versatile. This pesto pasta will be served heat or contemporary out of the fridge for a relaxing pasta salad!
• Excellent for leftovers. Boil completely different sorts of quick pasta and blend them, or slice up leftover rooster as an alternative of cooking the shrimp.

Recipe Components

Lemon zest, herby pesto, candy cherry tomatoes, and savory parmesan give this recipe its Mediterranean aptitude. Scroll to the recipe card on the backside of the submit for actual quantities.

For the Shrimp

• Shrimp – I desire medium or giant shrimp shrimp for a buttery, tender inside. Small shrimp over-cook very simply so keep away from them.
• Avocado oil – Be happy to make use of olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil.
• Lemon zest – It must be contemporary zest.
• Purple pepper flakes – Cayenne pepper works too.
• Salt and pepper – Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper are finest for this.

For the Pasta

• Pasta – Spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, and fusilli all work.
• Pesto – Attempt my Home made Basil Pesto or use your favourite store-bought one.
• Cherry tomatoes – Keep away from Roma and Heirloom tomatoes as a result of they’re too meaty and have many seeds, making the pasta watery.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated cheese is healthier than the bottled model.

How To Make Shrimp and Pesto Pasta

Stir the pasta and pesto into the pan with sauteed shrimp to scale back clean-up. Scroll to the recipe card on the backside of the submit for extra detailed directions.

• Boil the pasta. Convey a pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook dinner it in response to package deal directions. Drain it and set it apart.

• Season the shrimp. Toss the shrimp, zest, pink pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl till nicely mixed.
• Sautée them. Place a pan over medium-high warmth. Add the oil and shrimp. Cook dinner them for 3-4 minutes, or till utterly pink. Don’t over-cook them as a result of they’ll turn out to be rubbery. Take away them from the warmth and set them apart.
• Add the pesto. Place the pasta in a bowl. Add the pesto and toss till nicely mixed.
• Serve it. Switch the pasta to serving bowls. High it with shrimp, tomatoes, and parmesan. Get pleasure from!

Ideas & Variations

Heat or chilled, this shrimp and pesto pasta is ideal year-round.

• Make it a pasta salad. As soon as totally cooled, pop the pasta into the fridge till utterly chilled. Get pleasure from it straight out of the fridge for a refreshing pasta salad.
• Swap the protein. Slice my Baked Hen Parmesan, New York Strip Steak, or Pecan Crusted Salmon and use it as an alternative of shrimp for this recipe.
• Make it spicy. High the pasta with chili oil to style or slice up some Calabrian chilis for a bit of warmth.
• Add extra cheese. Sprinkle the pasta with 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or contemporary mozzarella for a cheesier chew.
• Use leftovers. Boil the completely different sorts of leftover quick pasta you could have laying round within the pantry in response to package deal directions. Drain and blend them collectively. The pasta shapes could also be completely different however the style would be the identical.

What To Serve With Shrimp Pesto Pasta

This shrimp and pesto pasta is a hearty dinner choice by itself. It’s also possible to pair it with some Grilled Zucchini with Tomato Basil Bruschetta on the facet. Air Fryer Asparagus are nice too. For salad choices, attempt my Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing or Roasted Pepper Peach Caprese with Balsamic Discount.

Correct Storage

Retailer it in serving-size parts for straightforward reheating all through the week.

• Fridge: Place it in an hermetic container for as much as 3 days.
• To reheat: Microwave it for as much as a minute or till heat. It’s also possible to warmth it in a pan (lined) over medium warmth for 7-8 minutes, stirring often.

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