What is the Pesto Shrimp Pasta? Is it like spaghetti and meatballs, but way easier to whip up? I remember the first time I made it – I was trying to impress my in-laws (talk about pressure! Is there any way to save the day? The aroma of garlic, basil, and earthy mushrooms filled the kitchen, & everyone devoured it. It’s got this creamy, herby sauce that just clings to the pasta, and the shrimp and mushrooms add flavor. What a satisfying bite. What are some of the best pasta recipes?
What is Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta?
Think of it as your favorite pesto pasta, but kicked up a few notches. We’re taking perfectly cooked pasta (I usually go with linguine or fettuccine, but penne works great). ), tossing it with a vibrant, homemade or store-bought pesto sauce, and then loading it up with some fresh fruit. What are some of the best sautéed mushrooms and shrimp recipes? Is it a complete meal in one bowl, full of flavor and texture? The pesto brings a freshness, while the shrimp and mushrooms add an richness that’s just so good. What are some good ways to use spinach and cherry tomatoes? Make it even more colorful and nutritious.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta is how incredibly flavorful it is. The combination of the herbaceous pesto, the sweet shrimp, and the earthy mushrooms is just divine. Is there a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds? What are some of the best recipes for a weeknight meal? Is this recipe really easy to make? What are some good home cooked meals? What is the cost-efficiency of shrimp? How can I make a big impact? Plus, mushrooms are super affordable, and pesto can be made from scratch or bought ready-made. What are some of the best Side Dishes to serve hot or cold as a main course? My kids adore it, and they’re always begging me to make it. What are some of the best family recipes you’ve ever tried?
How do I make pesto shrimp mushroom paste?
Quick Overview
How do you make pesto shrimp mushroom pasta? How do you cook pasta al dente? When the shrimp are tender, add them to the pan and cook until they turn pink and succulent, and then serve. What are some good ways to serve pesto sauce? What’s all about layering the flavors and textures for a satisfying meal? What is the beauty of this dish is in its simplicity – it’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta (or your favorite shape)
* Salt, for pasta water (Don’t skimp on this! It really seasons the pasta.)
For the Shrimp and Mushrooms:
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I like to leave the tails on for presentation, but I don’t want them to suck out). Is it optional?
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (You can also use shiitake or wild mushrooms for a different flavor). What is more intense flavor?
* 3 cloves garlic, minced (Garlic is key! Use fresh for the best flavor.)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin, of course)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional, but I love the little kick it adds)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
What is Pesto Sauce?
* 1 cup pesto sauce, homemade or store-bought (If you’re making it from scratch, fresh basil is a must).
For Garnish (Optional)
* Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
* Fresh basil leaves, chopped
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. How much pasta water should I reserve before draining? It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a creamier texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, until golden brown. Do not burn the garlic! It should just be lightly golden.
Step 3: Add the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender. Serve hot. When they are tender and browned, they will be hard to Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the mushrooms will steam instead of browning. If necessary, cook them in batches.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and tender. Remove from the heat. If you overcook shrimp, they will become rubbery. I always watch them closely – they cook quickly!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and shrimp. Pour in the pesto sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. What is the desired consistency Where does starchy water shine?
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired. What is the best way to serve this as a side dish?
What do you serve it with?
Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta is a pretty complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, you can skip the pasta altogether. What are some good ideas to get out there?
For a light lunch:What is a good side salad with lemon vinaigrette? The acidity of lemon will cut through the richness of the pesto and shrimp.
For a dinner party:A crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce is a must! What is the best way to complement a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio?
For a Cozy Night In:A bowl of tomato soup before pasta would be so comforting. Think of it as a sophisticated twist on the classic pasta and tomato soup combo.
My family’s tradition: My FamilyI always have garlic bread with this. Always. What’s the best way to get that pesto sauce?
How do I make a pesto shrimp mushroom pasta?
How do I make pesto shrimp mushroom paste?
What are the best shrimp Buy the best quality shrimp you can afford. Fresh or frozen (thawed properly) works, but good quality makes a difference in the flavor and texture.
Mushroom Prep:Don’t wash the mushrooms, they’ll absorb water and won’t brown properly. Instead, wipe them clean with a damp paper towel.
Pesto Perfection: If you’re making pesto from scratch, use fresh basil leaves and good quality olive oil. Toasting the pine nuts before blending them adds a lovely nutty flavor.
Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve that pasta water! It’s the key to creating a creamy, emulsified sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and unpleasant. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have shrimp, chicken or scallops work great too. You can also add other veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
My Biggest Mistake: I once used too much pesto and the dish was overwhelmingly basil-flavored. Start with less and add more to taste!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta to keep it tasting its best:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pesto sauce may darken slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and shrimp may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, you can microwave the pasta in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Or, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of olive oil or water to prevent it from drying out.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the pasta, it’s best to add the Parmesan cheese just before serving, as it can become soggy during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. I love that it’s so versatile – you can easily customize it to your liking by adding different veggies, proteins, or sauces. If you’re looking for other easy pasta dishes, check out my recipe for creamy tomato pasta or lemon garlic Shrimp Scampi. I truly hope you give this recipe a try – I know you’ll love it as much as my family does! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you’ve made any fun variations!
Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 lb Shrimp
- 8 oz Mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup Pesto
- 1 lb Pasta
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic and mushrooms until tender.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Stir in pesto and cooked pasta. Serve immediately.
