When I first tried this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta recipe, I knew it was something special. The combination of tender shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant pesto sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta was absolutely magical. I whipped it up on a busy weeknight, and it came together so effortlessly that it felt like a real treat.

The best part? It tastes gourmet without the fancy restaurant price tag or effort. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’s bound to become a favorite, whether you’re cooking for family, date night, or just treating yourself to something delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta has so many great qualities that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a busy cook, love experimenting with pasta dishes, or just crave outstanding flavor, this one’s for you! Here’s why you’ll love making it.

It’s Quick and Easy to Make

You don’t need a lot of kitchen experience to nail this recipe. The instructions are straightforward, and it all comes together in less than 30 minutes. From boiling the pasta to sautéing the shrimp and mushrooms, every step is simple and beginner-friendly. Perfect for weeknight dinners!

Packed with Flavor

Every bite of this pasta is an explosion of flavor. The juicy shrimp and sautéed mushrooms are enhanced by the rich, herbaceous pesto sauce. Toss in some sweet cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan, and you’ve got a perfectly balanced dish.

Highly Customizable

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can switch out ingredients to fit your dietary needs or personal taste. Want gluten-free pasta? Go for it! Don’t like shrimp? Sub in chicken or tofu. You can adjust it to suit any preference.

Great for Special Occasions or Everyday Meals

This dish is versatile enough for both casual dining and entertaining. Serve it as an impressive main course at a dinner party or enjoy it as a comforting family meal during the week. It’s a win-win either way.

Minimal Cleanup

With fewer dishes to wash (hello, one-pot magic!), this recipe saves you time even after you finish eating. Plus, who doesn’t love a clean kitchen?

Cooking Time

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

Ingredients

Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Mushrooms, sliced
Garlic, minced
Pesto sauce
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Parmesan cheese, grated
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)

Variations

Looking to customize your Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta? No problem! Here are some variations you can try.

For Dairy-Free: Use a vegan pesto and skip the Parmesan cheese. You can sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor substitute.
For Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for a gluten-free version like rice or chickpea pasta.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the shrimp and add zucchini, asparagus, or more mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian twist.
Add Extra Flavor: Toss in red chili flakes for a little heat or drizzle with lemon juice for extra brightness.

Equipment Needed

Large Pot for boiling pasta.
Large Skillet for sautéing shrimp and mushrooms.
Tongs to toss and coat the pasta evenly.
Measuring Cups for pesto and reserved pasta water.

How to Make Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta?

Making this pasta dish is so simple, you’ll have it on your table in no time. Here’s the step-by-step guide to help you master it.

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Make sure it’s al dente! Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. Set both aside. 🍝

Sauté the Shrimp and Mushrooms

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. 🍤

Combine the Ingredients

Reduce the skillet heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the shrimp and mushrooms. Pour the pesto over the top and toss everything to evenly coat. If the sauce seems too thick, mix in a bit of the reserved pasta water for smoothness. 🌿

Add Cherry Tomatoes

Gently stir in the halved cherry tomatoes. They should warm up but still remain fresh and slightly firm. 🍅

Season and Garnish

Season the pasta with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the pesto and Parmesan already carry a salty punch. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor. 💚

Now, all that’s left to do is plate it up and enjoy every savory bite!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re properly thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Don’t rinse your pasta after draining it. The starch helps the sauce adhere to the pasta better.
If you’re making your own pesto, toast the pine nuts beforehand to deepen the flavor.
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook very fast and can become rubbery.

How to Serve Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta?

This dish looks even more appealing with a little finesse in plating. Twirl the pasta onto each plate for an elegant presentation. Garnish with ribbons of fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine pairs beautifully.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional facts for this dish per serving:

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 12g

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re planning to make this ahead of time, keep these tips in mind.

This pasta stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it is kept in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, and add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. While freezing pesto pasta is not ideal due to the texture change in the sauce, you can freeze the shrimp and mushrooms separately and quickly toss them with fresh pasta and pesto for a future meal.

With easy prep, rich flavors, and endless customizations, this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Bon appétit!

Follow this video to cook it easily: