Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a great weeknight recipe. Shrimp is simmered in a decadent creamy pesto sauce and tossed with your favorite pasta.

If you’re looking for a decadent, creamy pasta that is full of summer flavor look no further than this Shrimp Pesto Pasta. Inspired by a dish I used to eat on the regular at my first restaurant job, this pasta is quick and easy to make. It comes together in about the same time it takes to cook the pasta which means that it’s perfect for weeknight meals.

I don’t know about you but I always looking for different ways to cook pasta. It is seriously one of my all time favorite foods. It’s just so incredibly versatile. It can be light like Sausage and Arugula Pasta or it can be hearty like Spaghetti and Meatballs. Or it can be decadent and creamy like this Shrimp Pesto Pasta which I’m convinced after you try a bite, will be in your permanent rotation.

 Let’s talk about everything you’ll need:

Ingredients for Shrimp Pesto Pasta: 

This recipe just calls for a handful of ingredients! Most of which you’ll likely already have on hand.

PASTA: I prefer to use long pasta with this recipe. I used whole grain linguine because it is what I had on hand. You can use any long pasta you prefer. Spaghetti, fettuccine or linguine would all work great in this recipe. 

SHRIMP: Use medium- large shrimp for this recipe. 

OLIVE OIL: To saute the shrimp. 

GARLIC: Pesto has garlic in it but I like to add a touch more because let’s be honest, the more garlic the better.

HEAVY CREAM: Heavy cream adds a bit of decadence to this recipe. I’ve also used half and half. It made it a little lighter but still a delicious sauce. 

SOUR CREAM: This may seem a bit odd to add but it was the secret ingredient that the restaurant I worked at always added. It adds creaminess and a touch of tang. I love it in my cream sauces. 

PESTO: When I originally shared this recipe in 2009, I didn’t have my own recipe for pesto. Now that I’ve shared my recipe for Classic Basil Pesto, I’ve always got it on hand and prefer to use that. If you don’t have the time to make your own, store-bought pesto would work just fine. 

How to make Shrimp Pesto Pasta: 

This pasta comes together in a snap making it perfect for weeknight meals! Follow along with these step by step photos and instructions to see just how easy it is. 

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STEP #1: Cook pasta according to package directions. 

STEP #2: While pasta is cooking, make your sauce. dd garlic cook just until fragrant about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream, sour cream and pesto. Stir to combine and cook until warmed through about 3 minutes. Add shrimp and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the shrimp are pink.

STEP #3: Add in cooked pasta and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and serve. 

This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is great served with the easiest garlic bread and a salad.

Looking for more shrimp recipes? Try these:

Switch up your Taco Tuesday with these Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream.

My family adores this Cajun Popcorn Shrimp!

A classic Shrimp Po’ Boy is sure to liven up your lunch!

Note: This post was originally written in 2009. It was updated with step by step photos, a modified recipe, and notes in 2022.