If you’re looking for a dish that packs vibrant flavors, a touch of elegance, and so much comfort all at once, this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and the lush freshness of homemade basil pesto, it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together beautifully on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for a special evening or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe promises a delightful experience that feels both fresh and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial for creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors in this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe. Each one plays a key role, from the brightness of lemon juice to the richness of Parmesan cheese, making your meal come alive.
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up that delicious pesto sauce.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp bring a sweet, succulent protein to the dish.
- 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, sliced: Their earthiness adds depth and a satisfying bite.
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves: The fragrant foundation for the vibrant pesto sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic: Garlic adds a lovely aromatic sharpness that ties everything together.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty, nutty richness to the pesto.
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil: The silky base that emulsifies the pesto into creamy perfection.
- Juice of 1 lemon: A burst of citrus that brightens and balances the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
How to Make Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your spaghetti or fettuccine until perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as that starchy liquid is your secret weapon for smoothing out the pesto sauce later. It’s a simple step but essential for the ultimate silky finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Sauce
Add fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan, and olive oil to your food processor. Blend everything into a lush, vibrant green sauce. If the pesto feels too thick or chunky, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect velvety texture. This homemade pesto is the heart and soul of the dish, delivering fresh herbaceous flavor with every bite.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the peeled shrimp for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a lovely pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper as they cook. The shrimp add a juicy, slightly sweet contrast that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms and the brightness of the pesto sauce wonderfully.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms
Remove the shrimp and set them aside, then toss your sliced mushrooms into the same skillet. Cook them until they turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. This step intensifies their flavor and allows them to soak up a bit of the leftover seasoning in the pan, adding an irresistible savoriness to the dish.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the skillet with the mushrooms and pour in your freshly made pesto along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a rich, silky sauce. Toss everything gently together to coat all the ingredients in that wonderful pesto goodness—this ensures every forkful is bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Give your pasta a final gentle toss with the sauce and top it off with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a generous squeeze of lemon juice for an uplifting citrus zing. This last layer of brightness makes the dish shine and brings all the flavors harmoniously together.
How to Serve Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese make perfect garnishes for this dish. Add a few cherry tomato halves if you want a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. A gentle drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top right before serving adds a glossy, inviting finish.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast, or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all the luscious pesto sauce. Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens also work beautifully and make the meal feel complete yet balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this pasta in rustic bowls sprinkled with microgreens for a modern look or twirl the pasta into neat nests on large plates for an elegant presentation. For a casual vibe, pile it high on a wooden board alongside fresh bread and lemon wedges, inviting everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh seafood, it’s best to enjoy leftovers quickly to savor the flavors at their freshest.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal due to the shrimp and fresh pesto, which can lose their texture and brightness after thawing. If you want to freeze, consider freezing just the cooked pasta and mushrooms separately without shrimp or pesto for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the shrimp and mush the mushrooms.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade pesto offers a vibrant freshness, a good quality store-bought pesto works perfectly and can save time when you’re in a hurry.
What type of shrimp is best for this dish?
Medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best for this recipe. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work as long as they’re properly thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Can I substitute the mushrooms with another vegetable?
Yes! Zucchini, asparagus, or even sun-dried tomatoes can be excellent substitutes, bringing their own unique flavors and textures to the recipe.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this gluten-free, simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I make the pesto less oily?
If your pesto feels too oily, add more fresh basil and Parmesan, and use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. This keeps the pesto creamy without it feeling greasy.
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. Full of vibrant flavors, balanced textures, and a wonderful aroma, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home. Dive in and let each bite remind you why cooking at home is such a joy!
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Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta combining tender shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, and a fresh homemade basil pesto sauce tossed with al dente spaghetti or fettuccine. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, delivering a balanced mix of protein, herbs, and comforting pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
Pesto Sauce
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or fettuccine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make Pesto Sauce: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until smooth. If the pesto is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the peeled and deveined shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Heat: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir in the prepared pesto sauce and a splash of reserved pasta water to form a creamy sauce. Mix everything together gently to coat the shrimp and mushrooms evenly.
- Toss with Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss carefully to combine everything. Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust pesto sauce consistency.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor in pesto.
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Button or cremini mushrooms work equally well; feel free to use a mix.
- Serve with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges on the side.
