Best of the Best Linguine with Shrimp and Pesto
A vibrant pasta dish featuring plump shrimp, fresh basil pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends linguine pasta, shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh basil 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 450 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 linguine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto and 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon. Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet and mix until well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best of the Best Linguine with Shrimp and Pesto take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Best of the Best Linguine 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 Best of the Best Linguine 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 Best of the Best Linguine 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 Best of the Best Linguine with Shrimp and Pesto?
Italian pasta 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
