When I first made Creamy Tomato Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe, I felt like I had unlocked a secret to making restaurant-quality pasta at home. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, the sauce was rich and balanced, and the fresh basil added a pop of flavor that brought everything together.

It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is so simple to whip up. Whether I’m cozying up for a solo dinner or impressing friends, this dish hits all the right notes. Trust me, you’ll find yourself craving this over and over again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to put this delightful pasta dish together. Using the right ingredients really makes a difference.

12 oz angel hair pasta: Cooks quickly and holds the sauce beautifully.
1 lb jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined. Fresh or thawed shrimp works best.
1/3 cup basil pesto: Homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto adds depth.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Freshly minced garlic packs more flavor than pre-minced.
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds a sweet, tangy punch to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety base for the sauce.
1/4 cup white wine: Enhances the flavor; substitute chicken broth if needed.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle hint of spice.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the shrimp and start the sauce.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds flavor and smoothness to the dish.
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce.
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: For garnish and a fresh aromatic touch.
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Gives the shrimp a light, flavorful seasoning.
Salt and pepper to taste

Note: This recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a small group or family dinner.

Variations to Make it Your Own

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with these tweaks!

Switch the Protein: Replace shrimp with chicken, scallops, or tofu to shake things up.
Go Dairy-Free: Sub heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free pesto.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted zucchini for extra nutrition.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Making this pasta is quick and hassle-free. Here’s a clear time guide!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Have these tools on hand to whip this up with ease!

Large pot: To cook the pasta.
Large skillet: Perfect for cooking shrimp and sauce.
Whisk: For mixing the creamy sauce smoothly.
Colander: For draining pasta.
Tongs: Makes tossing the pasta in the sauce so easy.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pesto Shrimp Pasta?

This step-by-step process will guide you through creating a delicious and fuss-free dish.

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the angel hair pasta for about 3-4 minutes, just until al dente. Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy water to help balance your sauce later.

Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels and season them with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly curled. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Build the Base for the Sauce

Add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet, keeping it on medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for a minute or two until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 4-5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Transform into a Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, letting the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken. Turn off the heat, then whisk in the basil pesto and a splash of lemon juice for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce, using tongs to coat the noodles thoroughly. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan, toss gently, then finish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.

Pro Tips for a Better Dish

After making this recipe countless times, here are my best tips to take it from great to fantastic!

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: I always pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and start curling into a ‘C’ shape. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast!
Fresh Is Best: Whether it’s garlic, basil, or Parmesan, fresh ingredients truly elevate the flavor.
Save the Pasta Water: A splash of this starchy water is key to creating a smooth, balanced sauce.
Use High-Quality Pesto: It’s the foundation of your sauce, so splurge on a good one or make it yourself!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pesto Shrimp Pasta?

Presentation matters, and this pasta deserves to shine! Serve it in shallow bowls so the sauce pools beautifully at the bottom. Garnish with a light sprinkle of Parmesan and a fresh basil leaf. Pair it with a crusty garlic bread and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complete the meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for this dish!

Calories: 740
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 66g
Fat: 40g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Storing: Store leftover pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat the sauce on low heat, stirring constantly. Add a splash of cream or the reserved pasta water to bring back its creamy texture. Avoid reheating shrimp for too long to prevent rubberiness.
Freezing: Make the sauce without shrimp and freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating for the best results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is so versatile, delicious, and easy to love. Here’s why I think it’s worth your time.

Quick and Easy: Dinner is on the table in just 30 minutes!
Packed with Flavor: Every bite is bursting with creamy, savory, and tangy goodness.
Highly Adaptable: Swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Perfect for Any Event: Fancy enough for guests but simple enough for busy weeknights.
Kid-Approved: Creamy, cheesy pasta is always a crowd-pleaser!

Once you’ve tried this Creamy Tomato Pesto Shrimp Pasta, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious bite!