Pesto Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant summer dish featuring fresh pesto, succulent shrimp, and sweet cherry tomatoes for a light yet flavorful meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends pasta, peeled and deveined shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes 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 400 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 pasta
- 12 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Toss in cherry tomatoes and pesto. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes are softened and pesto is fragrant.
- Step 4: Fold in cooked pasta and stir to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/4 cup parmesan. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pesto Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Pesto Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
