If you’re looking for a dish that sings with fresh, vibrant flavors and comes together in just about 30 minutes, this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender shrimp, crisp sugar snap peas, and a lively pesto sauce all tossed with al dente penne pasta, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that feels both comforting and impressively gourmet. This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to wow friends with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe is in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether bringing freshness, richness, or that perfect bite. Using just a handful of essentials, you can whip up something truly special without any complicated prep.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: The perfect shape to catch the pesto and bits of shrimp in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and keeps the shrimp juicy when cooking.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21 to 25 count): Tender and sweet, these shrimp cook quickly and make the dish feel indulgent.
- 1 (8 ounce) package sugar snap peas, cut into ½-inch pieces: Provides a fresh, crisp contrast and gorgeous green color.
- 1 (8 ounce) container refrigerated prepared pesto: The aromatic and creamy heart of the dish bringing basil, garlic, and nutty flavors all in one.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Brightens the entire dish with a pop of citrusy zest.
How to Make Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package directions until it is perfectly al dente — this gives just enough bite to stand up to the sauce and shrimp. Remember to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this little trick will help blend everything together beautifully later.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp and Snap Peas
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Lay the shrimp in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for two minutes; this helps them develop a nice sear. Then, toss in your snap peas and stir them with the shrimp until the shrimp turn almost opaque. This combo cooks quickly but keeps the peas vibrant and crunchy, adding a lovely fresh texture.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Now the fun assembly moment! Stir in the prepared pesto and cooked pasta until everything is coated evenly with the sauce. Add the lemon zest and squeeze in the fresh juice, tossing again to marry those bright flavors with the rich pesto. If you want a looser sauce, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect balance of warm, zesty, and herbaceous flavors.
How to Serve Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of toasted pine nuts can jazz up this dish beautifully. For an extra burst of color and flavor, add some chopped fresh basil or a few red pepper flakes to bring a gentle heat kick.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe shines as a comforting main, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon or balsamic vinegar adds a refreshing counterpoint. Garlic bread or crusty focaccia are also fantastic companions, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party vibe, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a few perfectly arranged shrimp on top and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also twirl the penne neatly with tongs to create elegant nests. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the presentation to restaurant-quality perfection.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe, store them in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to two days. Shrimp can lose texture if over-stored, so best to enjoy leftovers soon after cooking.
Freezing
While pesto-based dishes don’t always freeze well due to texture changes in the pesto sauce, you can freeze the pasta and shrimp separately if needed. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to one month, but plan to use the lemon juice fresh when reheating to revive brightness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Microwaving works too if you stir halfway through. Adding a fresh squeeze of lemon before serving helps refresh the flavors wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to avoid excess moisture which can affect the sauce texture and shrimp searing.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
While homemade pesto has a more vibrant and fresh taste, good-quality store-bought pesto saves time and still delivers fantastic flavor for this recipe—especially when you’re in a pinch.
Can I substitute the sugar snap peas with another vegetable?
Yes, you can swap them for green beans, asparagus tips, or even broccoli florets for a similar crunch and color. Just adjust cooking time so the vegetable stays crisp-tender.
What wine pairs well with Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe?
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully, with their crisp acidity complementing the herbaceous pesto and citrusy lemon in the dish.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the shrimp and toss in extra veggies like roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian version that’s still bursting with flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so effortlessly wonderful about this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe — it’s fresh, bright, and comforting all at once. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro looking for a delicious go-to, this dish ticks all the boxes and never fails to impress. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and flavorful Shrimp Pesto Penne recipe combining tender shrimp, crisp sugar snap peas, and fragrant pesto sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vibrant dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Seafood and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21 to 25 count)
- 1 (8 ounce) package sugar snap peas, cut into ½-inch pieces
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 (8 ounce) container refrigerated prepared pesto
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta to use later in the sauce.
- Cook Shrimp and Snap Peas: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get a nice sear. Then add the sugar snap peas and continue to stir until the shrimp are almost fully opaque and the peas are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in the refrigerated pesto and cooked penne pasta into the skillet with shrimp and snap peas until everything is evenly coated. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, tossing gently to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency without watering down the flavors.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the pesto and shrimp flavors.
- Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque to keep them tender.
- Fresh sugar snap peas add a nice crunch but can be substituted with green beans or asparagus if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
