Shrimp Pesto Penne – Creamy, Garlicky & Ready in 30 Minutes
This Shrimp Pesto Penne is a flavorful, easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic and tossed in a rich basil pesto sauce, then combined with tender penne pasta for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal. With bold flavors, creamy texture, and a touch of Parmesan, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to impress. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
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.