Creamy Pesto Shrimp Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Dinner

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this creamy pesto shrimp recipe! It’s a dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The vibrant pesto, rich cream, and succulent shrimp create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is versatile too; serve it over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or even crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Shrimp

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish is ready in about 30 minutes. This is ideal for a fast weeknight meal.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of pesto, cream, garlic, and shrimp creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over your favorite pasta, rice, or even grilled vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
* **Impressive:** Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add more garlic, use different types of pesto, or throw in some vegetables.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp both work well.
* **Pesto:** 1/2 cup of your favorite pesto. Homemade or store-bought is fine. For best results, use a high-quality pesto. Basil pesto is the classic choice, but you can also experiment with other varieties like sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the dish.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Used for sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is essential to enhance the flavors of the dish.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat.
* **Lemon Juice (optional):** A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors.
* **Pasta/Rice/Zucchini Noodles (for serving):** Cook your favorite pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well), rice, or zucchini noodles according to package directions.
* **Fresh Basil (for garnish):** Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese (for garnish):** Provides a salty and savory finish.

## Equipment Needed

* Large skillet or frying pan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Garlic press (optional)
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy pesto shrimp:

**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp**

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the pan. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Sauté the Garlic**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

**Step 3: Cook the Shrimp**

* Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.

**Step 4: Add the Pesto and Cream**

* Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Add the pesto and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now.

**Step 5: Thicken the Sauce**

* Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 6: Return the Shrimp to the Sauce**

* Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until the shrimp are heated through.

**Step 7: Finish and Serve**

* Remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve the creamy pesto shrimp over your favorite pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

## Tips for the Perfect Creamy Pesto Shrimp

* **Don’t overcook the shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Use high-quality pesto:** The pesto is the star of this dish, so make sure to use a good quality one. Homemade pesto is always best, but store-bought pesto can also work well.
* **Adjust the sauce to your liking:** If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.
* **Add vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
* **Serve immediately:** This dish is best served immediately. If you need to make it ahead of time, store the shrimp and sauce separately and combine them just before serving.

## Variations and Add-ins

This creamy pesto shrimp recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

* **Spicy Creamy Pesto Shrimp:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* **Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Vegetables:** Sauté some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini along with the garlic.
* **Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a tangy and flavorful twist.
* **Creamy Pesto Shrimp Scampi:** Replace the pesto with a mixture of butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice for a classic shrimp scampi flavor.
* **Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Spinach:** Stir in a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last minute of cooking.
* **Creamy Pesto Chicken (Instead of Shrimp):** Substitute the shrimp with chicken breasts or thighs for a chicken variation

## Serving Suggestions

This creamy pesto shrimp is delicious served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Pasta:** Toss it with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water to help thicken the sauce.
* **Over Rice:** Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
* **Over Zucchini Noodles:** For a low-carb option, serve it over zucchini noodles.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve it as an appetizer with crostini or crackers.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time:

* **Shrimp:** Peel and devein the shrimp up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Pesto:** Homemade pesto can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.
* **Garlic:** Mince the garlic a few hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover creamy pesto shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. The shrimp texture can also change after freezing.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-20g (depending on serving choice such as pasta or rice)

_Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used._

## Creamy Pesto Shrimp Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/2 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
* Lemon juice (optional)
* Pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles, for serving
* Fresh basil, for garnish
* Parmesan cheese, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the pesto and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
6. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until the shrimp are heated through.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice.
8. Serve the creamy pesto shrimp over your favorite pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious and easy creamy pesto shrimp!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

**Q: Can I use a different type of pesto?**
A: Absolutely! While basil pesto is the classic choice, you can experiment with other varieties like sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto.

**Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and consistency of the sauce.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?**
A: Of course! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

**Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?**
A: The key is to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they are cooked through.

**Q: What kind of pasta goes well with creamy pesto shrimp?**
A: Linguine, fettuccine, and penne are all excellent choices. Their shapes and textures complement the creamy sauce and shrimp perfectly.

**Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?**
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp, pesto, and garlic in advance. Store them separately and combine them just before cooking.

**Q: Can I freeze leftover creamy pesto shrimp?**
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing, and the shrimp texture can be affected.

**Q: How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?**
A: Leftover creamy pesto shrimp will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

**Q: Is this dish gluten-free?**
A: The creamy pesto shrimp itself is gluten-free. However, you’ll need to serve it over gluten-free pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles to make the entire meal gluten-free.

**Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?**
A: You can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.

**Q: How can I thicken the sauce?**
A: Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

**Q: How can I thin the sauce?**
A: Add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to thin it out.

**Q: What wine pairs well with creamy pesto shrimp?**
A: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the flavors of this dish.

This creamy pesto shrimp recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a perfect weeknight meal. Enjoy cooking and eating!