Basil Pesto Shrimp

Basil Pesto Shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the freshness of vibrant basil pesto with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp. The rich, aromatic sauce coats each shrimp beautifully, adding a burst of herbaceous flavor with every bite.

Why You’ll Love Basil Pesto Shrimp

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from shrimp and fresh ingredients from the pesto.
  • Versatile: Great as a main course, salad topping, or appetizer.
  • Bursting with Flavor: The combination of basil, garlic, and Parmesan creates an irresistible taste
Basil Pesto Shrimp

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Basil Pesto Shrimp

  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and becomes rubbery if overdone. Keep an eye on them!
  • Use High-Quality Pesto: If store-bought, choose a brand with fresh ingredients. For homemade pesto, blend fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil until smooth.
  • Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini noodles, or roasted asparagus for a more complete meal.
  • Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the pesto for a creamy variation.

Delicious Variations of Basil Pesto Shrimp

  • Basil Pesto Shrimp Pasta: Toss the shrimp and pesto with your favorite pasta, such as linguine or penne. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • Pesto Shrimp Salad: Serve over a bed of mixed greens, arugula, or spinach with cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
  • Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers: Marinate shrimp in pesto and grill them on skewers for a smoky flavor.
  • Pesto Shrimp Flatbread: Spread pesto on flatbread, top with shrimp, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes, and bake until bubbly.
Easy Basil Pesto Shrimp

How to Serve Basil Pesto Shrimp

  • As an Appetizer: Serve on toothpicks with a side of extra pesto for dipping.
  • Main Course: Pair with garlic bread, rice, or roasted vegetables.
  • Topping: Add to pizza, pasta, or grain bowls for a protein-packed topping.

How to Store and Reheat Basil Pesto Shrimp

Storing:

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: While shrimp can be frozen, pesto may separate. Freeze for up to 2 months, but thaw and stir well before reheating.

Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter.
  • Microwave: Reheat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Best Basil Pesto Shrimp

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Basil Pesto Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw them properly before cooking.

Is store-bought pesto good for this recipe?

Yes, but look for one made with fresh basil, Parmesan, and olive oil for the best results.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free pesto and skip the Parmesan.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen shrimp?

Place them in a colander under cold running water for about 5-7 minutes or let them thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?

Of course! Marinate the shrimp in pesto, then grill for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Yield: 2

Basil Pesto Shrimp

Basil Pesto Shrimp

Basil Pesto Shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the freshness of vibrant basil pesto with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp. The rich, aromatic sauce coats each shrimp beautifully, adding a burst of herbaceous flavor with every bite.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, 31-40 pieces per pound)
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup basil pesto sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Toss in shrimp and cherry tomatoes with a pinch of salt. Sauté, stirring often, for about 4 minutes until the shrimp are almost cooked.
  3. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the basil pesto. Cook for 1 more minute until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.
  4. Divide the shrimp and tomatoes onto plates, making sure to scrape every drop of that flavorful sauce from the pan to drizzle on top. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Yield

2

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 468Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 479mgSodium 2406mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 55g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

Basil Pesto Shrimp is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. With its fresh flavors and adaptability, it’s no wonder this recipe is a favorite for food lovers everywhere. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, as a standalone dish, or in a salad, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your culinary repertoire. So grab your skillet, whip up some pesto, and treat yourself to a flavorful feast!

Check my other shrimp recipes:

Soumyadip Chatterjee
Founder of easyshrimprecipes.com
Hi, this is Soumyadip, creator of easyshrimprecipes.com. I love cooking and sharing new tasty recipes to the entire world. So what are you waiting for, join me on a delicious journey.

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