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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
