Creamy Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe: A Dreamy Dinner

Whipping up a delectable pesto shrimp mushroom pasta will transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen with minimal effort.

Fragrant basil and earthy mushrooms create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent shrimp nestled among perfectly twirled noodles promise a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Each ingredient brings its unique character to this culinary adventure, blending seamlessly into a harmonious dish.

Minimal preparation time means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or endless chopping.

Crisp herbs and tender seafood combine in a way that feels simultaneously sophisticated and approachable.

Let this recipe become your new weeknight staple that impresses everyone at the dinner table.

Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta That Feels Gourmet

• Swap shrimp for chicken or keep it vegetarian by removing seafood, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Create a creamy, gourmet-tasting dish without complicated techniques, delivering rich, sophisticated flavors that will impress family and guests with minimal cooking skills required.
• Combine protein-rich shrimp, fiber-loaded mushrooms, and carbohydrate-providing pasta in a single skillet, offering a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nutritional needs in one delightful preparation.

Key Ingredients for Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Magic

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Pasta provides the base for this delicious dish, serves as a hearty foundation. Choose a medium-sized pasta like penne or linguine for best sauce coverage.

• Shrimp, Parmesan Cheese: Shrimp adds protein and oceanic flavor, while Parmesan brings rich, salty depth. Select fresh, medium-sized shrimp for optimal texture.

• Mushrooms, Garlic: Mushrooms offer earthy umami flavor and meaty texture. Garlic provides aromatic intensity. Fresh button or cremini mushrooms work best.

• Pesto, Heavy Cream: Pesto creates herbal, bright flavor profile. Heavy cream provides silky, rich sauce consistency. Choose store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Olive oil enables smooth cooking, seasonings enhance overall taste. Smoked paprika adds subtle smoky notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle heat and spice. Adjust quantity based on personal spice preference.

• Fresh Basil: Adds fresh herbal finish and bright color. Use fresh basil leaves for maximum flavor impact.

Cooking Instructions for Your Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Toss pasta into boiling water and cook until tender. Save some pasta water before draining. Set cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear Shrimp

• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and curl slightly. Remove shrimp from pan and keep warm.

Step 3: Caramelize Mushrooms

Use the same skillet and add more olive oil. Toss in mushrooms and cook until they develop golden edges. Add minced garlic and stir quickly to release aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Create Silky Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Pesto
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Simmer sauce until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Marry Ingredients

Tumble pasta into sauce, coating each strand completely. If sauce feels thick, splash in reserved pasta water. Gently fold shrimp back into the mixture.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving dishes. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while hot and steamy.

Tips for Sauce, Shrimp, and Pasta Harmony

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve the starchy pasta water to thin out the sauce perfectly, creating a silky, smooth texture that clings beautifully to the noodles.
• Shrimp Searing Secrets: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming, ensuring maximum flavor and appealing presentation.
• Mushroom Browning Technique: Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing mushrooms, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich, deep flavor instead of steaming.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Protein Power-Up: Customize the dish by substituting shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or white fish to suit different dietary preferences and protein needs.

How to Store and Reheat This Savory Pasta Well

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate shrimp from sauce to prevent overcooking during reheating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Gently stir to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or Parmesan cheese after reheating to revive the flavors and add a bright, fresh touch to the leftovers.

Wine and Side Pairings for Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the rich, creamy pesto sauce and cut through the shrimp's richness.
• Toast crusty Italian bread with olive oil and garlic to soak up the delicious sauce, adding extra texture and flavor to the meal.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast that balances the pasta's creamy consistency.
• Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the dining experience with its light, bubbly profile.

Flavor Adjustments for a Custom Pasta Twist

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace shrimp with marinated tofu cubes or plant-based shrimp alternatives. Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce cooking time and adjust sauce consistency to complement the vegetable noodles.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use gluten-free pasta or spaghetti squash. Ensure pesto and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check Parmesan cheese for potential gluten contamination.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Spin: Replace heavy cream with almond milk or vegetable broth. Use dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. Keep the robust flavors of pesto and spices intact.

Pesto Pasta FAQs

• Is pesto shrimp mushroom pasta a healthy dish?

This recipe offers a balanced meal with protein from shrimp, nutrients from mushrooms, and complex carbohydrates from pasta. It contains healthy fats from olive oil and provides a good mix of essential nutrients.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and achieve proper searing. Drain and pat them thoroughly to get a nice golden exterior.

• What type of mushrooms work best in this recipe?

Button mushrooms, cremini, or baby portobello mushrooms are excellent choices. They provide a rich, earthy flavor and blend perfectly with the pesto sauce. Choose fresh mushrooms for the best texture and taste.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be easily adjusted. If you prefer less spice, use a pinch or omit them entirely. For more heat, increase the amount according to your personal preference.

Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired pesto shrimp mushroom pasta brings coastal flavors to your dinner table with elegant simplicity. Creamy herb-infused sauce mingles with succulent shrimp and earthy mushrooms, creating a delightful plate sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 8 ounces (225g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• ⅓ cup (80ml) pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

• None specified

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Instructions

1. Initiate pasta preparation by bringing a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Extract and preserve a modest portion of starchy cooking liquid before straining.
2. Elevate shrimp with a harmonious blend of smoked paprika, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Glide olive oil across a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Sear shrimp swiftly, transforming them from translucent to blush-pink, approximately 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a temporary resting plate.
3. Leverage the identical skillet, introducing another drizzle of olive oil. Introduce mushroom slices, allowing them to caramelize and develop a golden exterior through 5-6 minutes of careful sautéing. Incorporate minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for a brief moment.
4. Reduce flame intensity, gently folding heavy cream, verdant pesto, and nutty Parmesan into the mushroom landscape. Optional red pepper flakes can provide a subtle warmth. Allow the mixture to delicately thicken through gentle simmering.
5. Cascade cooked pasta into the creamy constellation, ensuring each strand becomes luxuriously coated. Should the sauce appear overly dense, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve ideal consistency. Reintroduce the seasoned shrimp, delicately integrating them into the dish.
6. Artfully distribute the pasta across serving plates. Embellish with freshly torn basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan, then present immediately for optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild smoked paprika for sensitive palates.
• Choose quick-cooking shrimp for faster preparation, preferably medium-sized with consistent thickness.
• Select firm mushrooms like cremini or button varieties that maintain texture during high-heat cooking.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version or Greek yogurt for lighter protein-packed alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 220mg