If you are looking for a dish that combines vibrant flavors, luscious creaminess, and a touch of elegance, this Easy & Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp Recipe will instantly become your new favorite. It’s a delightful medley where tender shrimp meet a rich, nutty pistachio pesto sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a quick, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe shines with its fresh ingredients and sumptuous texture, making dinner feel like a special occasion without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and flavorful dish. Fresh basil brings brightness, pistachios add a lovely crunch and depth, and shrimp introduces a succulent protein that complements the creamy pesto perfectly. Let’s dive into this straightforward ingredient list that’s easy to source and guaranteed to impress.
- 12 oz pasta: Choose linguine, spaghetti, or penne for that ideal texture to hold the sauce.
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp works best for tenderness and flavor.
- 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios: The star nut that gives this pesto a unique twist and creamy bite.
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves: For classic, herbaceous fragrance and vibrant color.
- 2 cloves garlic: Adds a subtle pungency that wakes up the entire dish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Rich, salty, and melts beautifully into the pesto.
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for cooking): The base for the pesto’s smooth texture and cooking shrimp gently.
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps the pesto coat the pasta perfectly without becoming too thick.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional): Brightens up the dish with a fresh zing.
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional): A little kick to finish off with some heat.
How to Make Easy & Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your choice of pasta. Cooking it al dente is key—this means it’ll be tender but still have that slight bite which is perfect for tossing with the luscious pesto sauce. Before draining, be sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water; it’s a magic ingredient for adjusting sauce consistency.
Step 2: Whip Up the Pistachio Pesto
While the pasta simmers, grab your food processor and combine the pistachios, fresh basil, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse them until finely chopped, then keep the processor running as you slowly drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil. This gradual addition helps create a smooth and creamy sauce that’s full of fresh, nutty flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to bring everything together.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp to Perfection
Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cooking for just 1 to 2 minutes per side ensures they turn pink, opaque, and stay delightfully juicy without overcooking. Once done, set them aside while you finish the pasta.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pesto
Toss the drained pasta back in the pot or a large bowl, then mix in the pistachio pesto. Add reserved pasta water a bit at a time to loosen the sauce so that every strand or piece of pasta is coated with that silky, creamy goodness. This keeps things luscious without it being heavy or clumpy.
Step 5: Fold in the Shrimp and Final Touches
Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the pesto-coated pasta, allowing the flavors to meld. If you love a fresh citrus note, a splash of lemon juice here will elevate the dish spectacularly. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if you want a hint of spice.
How to Serve Easy & Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes for presentation and flavor layers. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and saltiness, while red pepper flakes introduce a burst of heat that perfectly contrasts the creamy pesto. For visual appeal, a few whole pistachios or a sprig of fresh basil on top also make a stunning garnish.
Side Dishes
This dish is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables for added texture and balance. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich pistachio pesto perfectly, bringing brightness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Easy & Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp Recipe in individual pasta nests on plates or in elegant bowls to highlight the vibrant colors. You can also turn it into a pasta bake by transferring the mixture to a baking dish, topping with extra Parmesan, and broiling for a golden crust. Either presentation makes it feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Easy & Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days to keep the shrimp tender and the pesto fresh-tasting—pasta can sometimes soak up too much sauce if left too long.
Freezing
While pasta with creamy sauces doesn’t freeze as well due to texture changes, you can freeze the pesto separately in an ice cube tray for future use. Shrimp can also be frozen before cooking, but we recommend making this dish fresh to enjoy optimal flavors and textures.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. This prevents the pasta from drying out and helps bring back that creamy consistency you love in this Easy & Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios for the pesto?
Absolutely! While pistachios give a unique flavor and creaminess, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds. The taste will vary slightly, but it remains delicious and creamy.
Is it necessary to peel and devein shrimp?
Peeling and deveining shrimp improves both the texture and presentation and ensures they’re clean and ready to eat. Many stores sell pre-peeled and deveined shrimp, which is great for convenience.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the shrimp. For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives, and be sure to adjust seasoning to taste.
How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cook quickly; look for them to turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep cooking time short—1 to 2 minutes per side is ideal.
What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?
Fresh basil is key for the fresh aroma and flavor, but in a pinch, you can use frozen basil or substitute with fresh spinach and a splash of lemon juice for some brightness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy & Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients brought together thoughtfully can create something truly special. Whether whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish promises creamy, vibrant flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will love. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to pasta recipe!
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Easy & Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy and creamy pistachio pesto pasta with shrimp is a delightful dish combining the richness of homemade pistachio pesto with succulent, pan-seared shrimp. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. The vibrant green pesto made from pistachios, fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese coats linguine or your pasta of choice, enhanced with a touch of lemon juice and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Olive oil (for cooking, about 1-2 tbsp)
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning the shrimp, about ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper)
Pistachio Pesto
- 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Pistachio Pesto: While the pasta cooks, combine the pistachios, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Pulse several times until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil and Seasonings: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in ½ cup of extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season the pesto with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a drizzle of olive oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl or return it to the pot. Toss the pasta with the pistachio pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and reaches desired consistency.
- Combine Shrimp and Finish: Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the pesto-coated pasta. Add lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Divide the pasta and shrimp among plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For the best pesto flavor, use fresh basil leaves and high-quality Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust pesto consistency by varying the amount of reserved pasta water added.
- Peeling and deveining shrimp beforehand saves time, but you can use pre-prepared shrimp to speed things up.
- Try substituting pistachios with walnuts or pine nuts if preferred.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto for extra brightness.
- If you like some heat, red pepper flakes are a perfect optional topping.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
