Seafood Pasta

Pesto Shrimp Linguine

Name: Pesto Shrimp Linguine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces linguine; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

By Xenia Sterling · June 19, 2026 · Seafood Pasta

Prep15 min

Cook12 min

Total27 min

Serves4

Pesto Shrimp Linguine — Fresh seafood pasta

As a coastal home cook and former fishmonger's daughter, I've always been passionate about demystifying seafood for nervous cooks. One of my favorite dishes to make is Pesto Shrimp Linguine, a classic seafood pasta recipe that's easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. We were all blown away by the combination of succulent shrimp, tangy pesto sauce, and al dente linguine. It's a recipe that's perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

What I love about this recipe is that it's approachable and easy to make, even for those who are new to cooking seafood. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to experiment with different flavors and techniques.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of shrimp, pesto sauce, garlic, and linguine to create a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying. We'll also be discussing some tips and tricks for cooking seafood, including how to choose the freshest ingredients and how to cook shrimp to perfection.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood pasta recipe, you're in the right place. Let's get started and make some Pesto Shrimp Linguine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of seafood and pasta.
The pesto sauce is made from scratch, using fresh basil and garlic.
The dish is perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
It's a healthy and flavorful meal that's packed with protein and fiber.
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes or spinach.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Pesto Shrimp Linguine is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the shrimp to perfection. This means using fresh, succulent shrimp and cooking them in a way that brings out their natural sweetness.

Another important factor is the pesto sauce. A good pesto sauce should be made with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, and should have a rich, creamy texture. We'll be making our own pesto sauce from scratch, using a combination of these ingredients and some olive oil.

Finally, the type of pasta we use is also important. Linguine is a long, flat pasta that's perfect for pairing with light, oily sauces like pesto. It's also a great choice for seafood dishes, as it helps to balance out the flavors and textures of the other ingredients.

By combining these ingredients and cooking techniques, we can create a dish that's both delicious and satisfying. So, let's take a closer look at the ingredients and equipment we'll need to make Pesto Shrimp Linguine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Pesto Shrimp Linguine, we'll need a few key ingredients, including shrimp, pesto sauce, garlic, and linguine. We'll also be using some olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

When shopping for these ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest and highest-quality options available. This will help to ensure that your dish turns out delicious and flavorful.

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveinedLook for shrimp that are firm and have a sweet, slightly salty smell. Avoid shrimp that are soft or have a strong fishy odor.
1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauceWe'll be making our own pesto sauce from scratch, using fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use jarred garlic, but be sure to choose a high-quality brand.
1/4 cup olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. Avoid using table salt, as it can be too harsh.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-ground pepper, as it can be stale.
12 ounces linguineLook for linguine that's made from high-quality durum wheat semolina. Avoid using low-quality pasta, as it can be mushy or sticky.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseUse freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it can be dry and flavorless.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juiceUse freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it can be too acidic.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor. Avoid using dried parsley, as it can be bitter and flavorless.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basilUse fresh basil for the best flavor. Avoid using dried basil, as it can be bitter and flavorless.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panSharp chef's knifeCutting boardColander or strainerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaGarlic press or microplaneLemon juicer or citrus squeezer

How to Make Pesto Shrimp Linguine

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the linguine.
2
In a large heavy skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they're pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4
Add the pesto sauce to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it's heated through and fragrant. Stir in the reserved pasta water and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss it with the pesto sauce until the pasta is well coated. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them with the pasta and pesto sauce until they're well coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the shrimp are heated through.
7
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it's melted and creamy. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Squeeze the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the pasta and toss it with the parsley and basil until they're well combined. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Serve the Pesto Shrimp Linguine hot, garnished with additional parsley and basil if desired.
10
To make the pesto sauce, combine the fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor or blender. Process the mixture until it's smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
11
With the processor or blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Process the mixture until it's smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
12
Season the pesto sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Use the pesto sauce immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Reserve some pasta water before draining the linguine, as it can help to thin out the pesto sauce if it becomes too thick.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking, as it can help to melt and cream out the pesto sauce.
Use a high-quality olive oil that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes or spinach.
Serve the Pesto Shrimp Linguine hot, as it's best enjoyed when the pasta and sauce are freshly cooked.
Consider making a double batch of pesto sauce and freezing it for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can result in a thick and sticky pesto sauce.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as pre-shredded cheese or bottled lemon juice.
Not seasoning the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, which can result in a bland and flavorless dish.
Not stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking, which can help to melt and cream out the pesto sauce.
Not serving the Pesto Shrimp Linguine hot, as it's best enjoyed when the pasta and sauce are freshly cooked.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding cherry tomatoes or spinach to the pesto sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Using different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a change of pace.
Substituting the shrimp with other types of seafood, such as scallops or mussels, for a different flavor and texture.
Adding some heat to the pesto sauce with red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Using a combination of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a creamier and more melty sauce.
Adding some fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the pesto sauce for added flavor and freshness.
Serving the Pesto Shrimp Linguine with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a more filling meal.

What to Serve With Pesto Shrimp Linguine

Pesto Shrimp Linguine is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or with a variety of sides. Some ideas for sides include garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve the dish with a side of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

One of the best things about Pesto Shrimp Linguine is that it's a great way to get your daily dose of seafood and pasta. The shrimp provide a good source of protein, while the pasta and pesto sauce provide complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. The dish is also relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking for a healthier meal.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesMarinara sauceGrated Parmesan cheese

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Pesto Shrimp Linguine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the dish, simply microwave it for 30-60 seconds or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

To freeze the dish, cook the linguine and shrimp according to the recipe instructions, then let them cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooled pasta and shrimp to an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat frozen Pesto Shrimp Linguine, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the pasta to become mushy.

It's also possible to make the pesto sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook the sauce over medium heat until warmed through, then serve it over cooked linguine and shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for Pesto Shrimp Linguine?

Linguine is a long, flat pasta that's perfect for pairing with light, oily sauces like pesto. It's also a great choice for seafood dishes, as it helps to balance out the flavors and textures of the other ingredients.

How do I cook the shrimp for Pesto Shrimp Linguine?

To cook the shrimp, heat some olive oil in a large heavy skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, then add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they're pink and cooked through.

Can I use pre-made pesto sauce for Pesto Shrimp Linguine?

While pre-made pesto sauce can be convenient, it's not always the best choice for Pesto Shrimp Linguine. Homemade pesto sauce is typically made with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, which gives it a brighter, more vibrant flavor. However, if you're short on time, you can use pre-made pesto sauce as a substitute.

How do I store Pesto Shrimp Linguine?

Can I freeze Pesto Shrimp Linguine?

Yes, Pesto Shrimp Linguine can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze the dish, cook the linguine and shrimp according to the recipe instructions, then let them cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooled pasta and shrimp to an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer.

What are some variations I can make to the Pesto Shrimp Linguine recipe?

Some ideas for variations include adding cherry tomatoes or spinach to the pesto sauce, using different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, or substituting the shrimp with other types of seafood, such as scallops or mussels.

Is Pesto Shrimp Linguine a healthy dish?

Pesto Shrimp Linguine can be a healthy dish, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes used. The shrimp provide a good source of protein, while the pasta and pesto sauce provide complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. However, the dish can also be high in calories and fat, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation.

Can I make Pesto Shrimp Linguine ahead of time?

Yes, Pesto Shrimp Linguine can be made ahead of time. To make the dish ahead of time, cook the linguine and shrimp according to the recipe instructions, then let them cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooled pasta and shrimp to an airtight container, making sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and contents, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

The Full Recipe

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