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.
Make your sauce. Add shrimp and simmer. 
Toss cooked pasta with sauce to coat.
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.
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried linguine (or other long noodle )
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined )
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons prepared pesto (you can find this in the deli section of your local grocery store)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Strain and set aside. While, your pasta is cooking you can cook your prawns and start your sauce.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 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.
Add pasta, stir to combine and coat the pasta with the sauce.
Great recipe and really a nice one. Will surely try this
Hi Kim- Half and half is a mixture of whole milk and cream. After doing some research it appears to be a US thing, but you could substitute by mixing 7/8 cup of whole milk and 2 tablespoons unsalted melted butter. Hope this helps!
can i know what is a 1 cup of half and half? please tell me :)
Debbie- Yep the green pesto sauce. You can buy it in the refrigerated section or you can make your own. I’ve got a basic pesto recipe on my Cheese Tortellini with Pesto and Sun-dried Tomatoes recipe.
Do you use the green pesto sauce?
Looks like I figured out whats for diner at my house! Thanks Baby