Zesty Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe for Lively Dinners

Creamy pesto shrimp mushroom pasta brings together a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with surprising elegance.

The combination of tender shrimp and earthy mushrooms creates a magical blend in this comforting dish.

Fresh basil pesto coats each strand of pasta, infusing the meal with bright, aromatic notes.

Succulent shrimp nestled among sliced mushrooms provide a delightful protein-packed experience.

Delicate pasta serves as the perfect canvas for this Mediterranean-inspired creation.

Each forkful promises a harmonious mix of textures and robust flavors that will transport you straight to an Italian coastline.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this restaurant-quality meal that comes together in mere minutes.

Instructions To Cook Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Easily

• Boil Pasta

Toss pasta into a pot of bubbling, salty water. Cook until perfectly tender. Save some pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.

• Sizzle Shrimp

Sprinkle shrimp with spicy seasonings. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp until they turn a beautiful pink color. Set aside.

• Roast Mushrooms

In the same skillet, splash more olive oil and toss in mushrooms. Let them dance and brown until golden. Sprinkle garlic and let it sizzle.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in luscious cream, herby pesto, and tangy cheese. Add a pinch of red pepper for extra kick. Let it simmer and get silky.

• Mix and Mingle

Pour pasta into the skillet and coat every strand with the dreamy sauce. If it looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water. Gently fold in the shrimp.

• Plate and Enjoy

Transfer the steaming pasta to plates. Scatter fresh basil leaves and extra cheese on top. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite.

Customization Options For Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Quick Meal Prep: Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook, ensuring a smooth and stress-free cooking experience.
• Seafood Freshness Check: Always choose fresh, high-quality shrimp with a clean ocean smell and firm texture to guarantee the best flavor.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace shrimp with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a delicious plant-based alternative that maintains the creamy pesto essence.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the rich, savory sauce intact.
• Sauce Consistency Pro-Tip: Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water – this technique prevents the sauce from becoming too runny or too thick, ensuring perfect coating on every pasta strand.

Plating Ideas For Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Top the pasta with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a burst of color and heat.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt slightly into the warm sauce for an indulgent touch.
• Fresh Side Companion: Serve with a crisp side salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta's richness and add a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the seafood and herbal pesto flavors.

Store Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta With Care

• Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the shrimp and mushrooms included to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezing Strategy: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Recommended to freeze without fresh herbs to prevent texture degradation.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or extra cream to restore moisture. Gently stir while heating to prevent sauce separation and maintain creamy consistency. Medium-low heat works best to prevent overcooking.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: If possible, store sauce, pasta, and shrimp separately to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, combine and reheat together for the freshest taste and best texture. This approach helps maintain the original meal's quality and prevents potential bacterial growth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 4

Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Ingredient Overview

• Pasta: Carrier of flavors, choose high-quality pasta that holds sauce well like fettuccine or linguine.

• Shrimp: Fresh, sweet seafood that adds delicate texture, select medium-sized with firm, translucent appearance.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth to shrimp, ensures rich flavor profile.

• Mushrooms: Earthy, meaty ingredient providing umami and texture, select firm, fresh varieties without blemishes.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that elevates overall dish, choose fresh cloves with tight, compact skin.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty element creating creamy complexity, opt for freshly grated for best taste.

• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, luxurious sauce texture, select high-fat content cream for richness.
• Pesto: Herbaceous sauce bringing vibrant green color and intense basil flavor, choose authentic Italian-style.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick, adds pleasant heat and depth.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and subtle flavor, use extra virgin for best quality.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic garnish that refreshes entire dish, select bright green leaves.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing flavors, use freshly ground black pepper.

Cooking Tools For Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water and salt.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing shrimp, mushrooms, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Tongs: Great for flipping shrimp and mixing pasta with sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps stir ingredients and prevent sticking while cooking.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for precisely adding seasonings and oil.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for preparing ingredients before cooking.
• Chef's Knife: Required for chopping garlic and basil.

Vibrant Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy pesto shrimp mushroom pasta delivers a Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish with rich, herbal notes. Garlic, basil, and parmesan create a luxurious sauce that welcomes you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, cremini or button, sliced
• 8 oz (225g) pasta, linguine, spaghetti, or penne
• ½ cup (120 ml) cream, heavy or half-and-half
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) pesto, store-bought or homemade
• ¼ cup (25 g) cheese, Parmesan, grated
• 2 tbsps basil, fresh, chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp paprika, smoked
• ½ tsp salt, for boiling water
• ¼ tsp pepper flakes, red (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, extra

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil generously salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve a small amount of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Shrimp Seasoning and Searing: Season shrimp with smoked paprika, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and quickly cook shrimp until pink, approximately 2 minutes per side. Set aside.
3. Mushroom and Garlic Sauté: In the same skillet, sauté mushroom slices until golden and caramelized. Add minced garlic and briefly cook to release its aromatic properties.
4. Sauce Creation: Reduce heat and incorporate heavy cream, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Optionally add red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
5. Pasta Integration: Combine cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough coating. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Gently fold in the seared shrimp.
6. Serving Presentation: Plate the pasta, garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and an additional Parmesan sprinkle. Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

Notes

• Preserve Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushiness and ensuring an authentic Italian dining experience.
• Sear Shrimp Perfectly: Cook shrimp quickly over moderate heat, watching for the color transformation from translucent to pink, avoiding overcooking which leads to rubbery texture.
• Mushroom Caramelization Technique: Allow mushrooms to develop a golden exterior by avoiding overcrowding the skillet, enabling proper browning and concentrating their rich, earthy flavors.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Use reserved pasta water strategically to adjust sauce thickness, creating a silky, smooth coating that clings beautifully to pasta without becoming too runny or thick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 200mg