Laura Mariano
Why Shrimp Pesto Penne Is a Weeknight Hero
There are few dishes that can strike the perfect balance between comforting, elegant, and easy—but Shrimp Pesto Penne delivers every time. Imagine twirls of al dente penne coated in silky, fragrant pesto, topped with juicy shrimp that have been quickly seared until golden. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for a date night yet practical enough to whip up on a busy Tuesday evening.
What makes this pasta so appealing is its simplicity. With just a handful of quality ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile—serve it family-style at a dinner party, or keep it cozy and portioned for two.
The best part? It comes together in 30 minutes or less, making it a genuine weeknight lifesaver. Whether you’re craving something comforting, want to impress without stress, or simply need a foolproof recipe that works every time, Shrimp Pesto Penne will become your go-to.
What Is Shrimp Pesto Penne?
Shrimp Pesto Penne is a classic Italian-American pasta dish with a Mediterranean twist. At its core, it features penne pasta—the perfect shape for holding onto pesto’s rich, herbaceous sauce—tossed with succulent shrimp that add a protein-packed, slightly sweet bite.
The dish is built around basil pesto, a vibrant green sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Some versions enrich the sauce with a splash of cream or extra Parmesan for added body and richness.
What makes Shrimp Pesto Penne shine is its balance of flavors: the freshness of basil, the nutty umami from cheese, the garlicky depth of pesto, and the tender seafood all come together seamlessly. It’s a wonderful example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can turn into something extraordinary with very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Shrimp Pesto Penne deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation:
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Fast & fuss-free: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
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Restaurant-quality flavor: Creamy, garlicky, herby pasta that feels gourmet.
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Comforting yet light: Satisfying without being heavy, thanks to pesto and shrimp.
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Family- and guest-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults; easy to double for gatherings.
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Customizable: Swap proteins, adjust creaminess, or add veggies.
It’s a dish that ticks all the boxes: quick, flavorful, and versatile. You’ll find yourself making it on repeat.
Ingredients Breakdown & Smart Substitutions
The beauty of Shrimp Pesto Penne lies in its adaptability. Here’s a closer look at each ingredient and how you can make swaps:
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Shrimp: Fresh shrimp give the best flavor and texture, but frozen (thawed properly) works beautifully too. Devein for the cleanest taste. Substitutions: scallops, chicken strips, or even sautéed tofu for a vegetarian twist.
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Penne pasta: Its tube-like shape holds pesto perfectly. Substitutions: rigatoni, fusilli, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta if needed.
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Pesto: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade pesto (basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil) elevates the dish. Variations: arugula pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or even kale pesto for something unique.
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Parmesan / Cream: A sprinkle of Parmesan enhances umami. Add a splash of cream for a richer, silkier sauce. Substitutions: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or dairy-free cheese.
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Seasonings: Red pepper flakes for gentle heat, lemon zest for brightness, and freshly cracked black pepper for balance.
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Olive oil & garlic: The foundation of flavor for sautéing the shrimp—don’t skip.
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Fresh herbs: Basil or parsley as garnish makes the dish extra vibrant.
Pro Tip: Keep it simple—good pesto and well-cooked shrimp are the stars here.
Tools & Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets, just reliable basics:
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Large pot for cooking pasta.
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Large skillet for sautéing shrimp and tossing pasta.
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Colander for draining pasta.
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Mixing bowl (optional, for tossing pasta evenly with pesto).
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Wooden spoon or tongs for stirring.
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Zester or microplane for lemon zest.
These everyday tools ensure smooth cooking and quick cleanup.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to boil, cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
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Sauté shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic and shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until shrimp turn pink (2–3 minutes per side).
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Combine: Lower heat, add cooked pasta to skillet with shrimp. Stir in pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water.
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Finish: Toss until pasta is well coated and sauce is creamy. Top with Parmesan and lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Shrimp Pesto Penne – Creamy, Garlicky & Ready in 30 Minutes
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or tongs
- Zester or microplane
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Lower heat and add cooked pasta and pesto to the skillet. Stir in reserved pasta water gradually until sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Finish with Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh basil garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
- For a lighter dish, replace half of the pasta with spiralized zucchini (“zoodles”).
- Shrimp cook quickly—avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
- Pair with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
