Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Pesto
Creamy half-shell pasta tossed with succulent shrimp, garlic, and basil pesto, finished with a splash of lemon and Parmesan. This italian-american-inspired sheet pan ready in about 25 minutes blends half-shell pasta, shrimp, pesto into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz half-shell pasta
- 8 oz shrimp
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in boiling salted water for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in pesto, 1 tbsp reserved pasta water, and lemon juice. Add pasta and toss to coat. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan and remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Pesto take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Pesto?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Pesto?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Pesto for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Pesto?
Italian-American sheet pan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
