Pesto Shrimp Linguine with Fresh Basil

Bring the flavors of Italy right to your dinner table with this vibrant Pesto Shrimp Linguine with Fresh Basil — a dish that’s equal parts refreshing, savory, and satisfying. Juicy shrimp, al dente linguine, and a rich homemade basil pesto come together in perfect harmony for a meal that feels restaurant-quality but is surprisingly simple to make at home.

Every forkful bursts with garlicky, herby notes balanced by a creamy, nutty pesto sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or a quick weekday dinner, this recipe guarantees elegance and flavor in just minutes.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s light, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. The combination of tender shrimp and aromatic pesto is both comforting and refreshing, offering that classic Italian freshness with a touch of luxury.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own for a deeper, more authentic flavor. I also love that it tastes decadent but doesn’t feel heavy, making it a go-to recipe for when I crave something gourmet yet simple.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Pesto Shrimp Linguine is a must-try because it transforms humble ingredients into an unforgettable meal. The shrimp adds a delicate sweetness that complements the basil and garlic perfectly, while the pesto sauce coats every strand of linguine in a luscious, fragrant embrace.

It’s impressively easy yet sophisticated, perfect for dinner parties or date nights. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to creamy pasta dishes since pesto brings both richness and nutrients. Once you try this, you’ll see why it’s a timeless Italian favorite that never fails to impress.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving

Cuisine: Italian

Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Pesto Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the linguine until al dente.
2. Sauté shrimp with garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Blend basil, nuts, cheese, garlic, and oil to make pesto.
4. Toss the pasta and shrimp in the pesto sauce.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, about 9–10 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Squeeze lemon juice over them and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. Gradually add olive oil while blending until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large pan, toss cooked linguine with the pesto sauce. Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Gently mix in the cooked shrimp.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the pasta, top with extra Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

How to Serve

Serve Pesto Shrimp Linguine warm, right after tossing, for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with:

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• A side of garlic bread or focaccia
• A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

It’s perfect for elegant dinners, weeknight meals, or even as a light lunch option.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh basil for the best aroma and color.
• Don’t overcook shrimp — they only need 2–3 minutes per side.
• Add a splash of pasta water to make the sauce silky and cohesive.
• Toast the nuts before blending for extra depth of flavor.
• For a creamy twist, stir in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream.

Variations

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Shrimp Pasta: Replace basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a tangy, rich flavor.
Spinach-Basil Pesto: Mix spinach and basil for a lighter green pesto.
Creamy Pesto Version: Add a bit of cream or ricotta cheese to make it more indulgent.
Spicy Shrimp Linguine: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for a spicy kick.
Lemon-Basil Shrimp Pasta: Increase lemon juice and zest for a bright, citrusy variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil.
• Freeze (Pesto Only): Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Use as needed for quick meals.
• Do Not Freeze Shrimp Pasta Together: The texture of shrimp and pasta changes upon freezing.

Special Equipment Needed

• Food processor or blender (for pesto)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot and colander
• Wooden spoon or tongs

FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! Store-bought pesto works great for convenience, though homemade gives a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

Q2: Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work well.

Q3: What if I’m allergic to nuts?
Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or skip them entirely — the pesto will still be delicious.

Q4: Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or spinach are wonderful additions.

Q5: How can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast instead.

Conclusion

The Pesto Shrimp Linguine with Fresh Basil is a dish that beautifully captures the essence of Italian cooking — fresh, simple, and full of flavor. The herby pesto, tender shrimp, and al dente pasta come together in a symphony of taste and texture that’s both light and indulgent.

It’s a go-to meal for any occasion — elegant enough for guests, yet easy enough for weeknights. Once you try it, this vibrant, green pasta will become one of your all-time favorites.