Description
Elevate your dinner game with this restaurant-quality Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Tender shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant basil pesto come together in a rich, savory sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta. With just 30 minutes of cook time, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any occasion when you crave a comforting, gourmet-style meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for mushrooms)
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for shrimp)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for mushrooms)
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces spiral pasta (e.g., fusilli or rotini)
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the spiral pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp, ¼ teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Toss in the sliced mushrooms and season with ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add the basil pesto and chicken broth to the skillet with the mushrooms.
- Stir well to combine, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes.
5. Combine Shrimp and Pasta:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the pesto sauce.
- Heat for 1–2 minutes to ensure everything is warmed through.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a vibrant, herby finish.
- Serve immediately and savor every bite of this flavorful dish!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the shrimp with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Pasta Options: While spiral pasta works best to hold the sauce, you can substitute it with penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Customizable Heat: Add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired