Creamy Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe with Garlic & Parmesan

Get the best of two favorites with this shrimp pesto pasta: bright homemade basil pesto paired with succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Fresh basil, parmesan, and a touch of cream make a vibrant, comforting dinner that comes together quickly.

If you browse my recipe collection you’ll notice I love combining pasta and seafood. This Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti is one of my go-to meals, joining other favorites like creamy shrimp Alfredo. In my view, pasta and seafood complement each other beautifully—especially when finished with a bright homemade pesto.

I make a lot of pesto at home and prefer it fresh—there’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh basil and toasted pine nuts blended with parmesan. This pesto paired with shrimp and spaghetti is easy, flavorful, and great for weeknights or entertaining.

How to make

1. Make the pesto – Toast pine nuts in a skillet for about a minute. Combine basil, garlic, lemon juice, pine nuts, and parmesan in a food processor or blender. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cook the shrimp – Heat butter and a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper and a pinch of chili powder, and cook about 2 minutes per side until just opaque.
3. Combine and finish – Stir the pesto into the shrimp and cook for 1 minute to warm the sauce. Add heavy cream and diced tomato, cook briefly, then toss in cooked spaghetti with a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until the pasta is well coated and adjust seasoning. Serve with extra parmesan.

What pasta is best with pesto?

Pesto pairs well with many pasta shapes. Long strands like spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair are classic choices, but short shapes such as penne, bowties, or rigatoni also work well because they hold the sauce. Pesto is versatile — try it on bread, as a dip, or mixed into grain bowls.

Is pesto healthy?

Pesto made from fresh basil, nuts, olive oil, garlic, and cheese is a nutritious condiment. It contains healthy fats from olive oil and nuts and provides vitamins from the basil. You can reduce sodium by limiting added salt and adjust oil quantities to control calories.

Top tips for perfect shrimp pesto pasta

• Swap pasta shapes – Use linguine or angel hair for a similar texture to spaghetti, or choose short pasta like penne or fusilli for a different mouthfeel.
• Add heat – For a spicier dish, stir crushed red pepper into the pesto or sprinkle it over the shrimp while cooking.
• Oil alternatives – If you prefer a different oil, avocado or sunflower oil can replace olive oil, though olive oil gives the most classic flavor.
• Serve with sides – Classic Italian sides complement this dish: crusty garlic bread, cheesy bread, monkey bread, or a fresh salad are excellent choices.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the pasta and shrimp can change. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Recipe details