Description
This ultimate creamy pesto shrimp linguine recipe combines silky pasta, vibrant basil pesto, and perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich, indulgent sauce—all made in just 30 minutes in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red chili flakes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz of linguine according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute for al dente texture. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add 12 oz of medium shrimp (peeled and deveined) to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pot and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in 1/2 cup of basil pesto, mixing until combined. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes to taste.
- Return the cooked linguine to the pot. Toss to coat the pasta in the creamy pesto sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the pot. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.
Notes
Cooking the shrimp separately ensures they don’t overcook or become rubbery. Add pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect sauce consistency. For a lighter pesto, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of honey to balance bitterness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: pesto shrimp linguine, creamy pasta, quick dinner, one-pot recipe, Italian pasta