Pesto-Garlic Shrimp Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick pasta with plump shrimp and vibrant basil pesto, ready in 20 minutes with pantry staples. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes blends spaghetti, olive oil, peeled shrimp 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 480 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz peeled shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil pesto, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss in drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, cooking for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pesto-Garlic Shrimp Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Pesto-Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

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 Pesto-Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

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 Pesto-Garlic Shrimp Pasta 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 Pesto-Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

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.

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