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If you are craving a dish that bursts with bright, vibrant flavors yet comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes, the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe is your new go-to. This dish brings succulent shrimp, tender penne pasta, and crisp sugar snap peas together in a luscious, homemade pesto sauce brightened by fresh lemon zest and juice. It feels like a little celebration on your plate—comforting yet fresh, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make all the difference in this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe, creating layers of texture and flavor that are satisfying and colorful. Each component plays a key role, from the rich pesto to the crisp snap peas, making it a breeze to assemble a dish that feels elevated yet approachable.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto that vibrant pesto sauce in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps cook the shrimp to juicy perfection.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21 to 25 count): Tender, flavorful, and quick-cooking seafood that is the star protein here.
- 1 (8 ounce) package sugar snap peas, cut into ½-inch pieces: Adds an irresistible crunch and a pop of bright green color for freshness.
- 1 (8 ounce) container refrigerated prepared pesto: The heart of this dish, delivering herbaceous, nutty, and garlicky notes effortlessly.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Brings a lively zing and brightens all the other flavors beautifully.
How to Make Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining—that starchy liquid becomes a secret weapon to help your sauce cling beautifully to every piece of pasta.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp and Snap Peas
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp and let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a nice sear. Next, toss in the sugar snap peas and stir until the shrimp are just turning opaque and the peas are crisp-tender, adding a wonderful crunch to the dish.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in the luscious pesto and the drained penne pasta, mixing well so the sauce coats every piece. Add the freshly grated lemon zest and squeeze in the juice to brighten the flavors. If the mixture feels a little thick, pour in reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of toasted pine nuts elevates the dish with extra savory depth and crunch. Fresh basil leaves add a burst of color and more herbal brightness, giving your Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe that restaurant-worthy look right at home.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus notes or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delightful pesto sauce. Steamed asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes also offer lovely complementary flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, try serving your Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe in individual bowls, topped with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra splash of freshness at the table. Or, for a casual gathering, plate family-style with a big vibrant basil garnish over the top to invite everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled well to preserve the fresh shrimp and vibrant pesto flavors.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for this dish since pesto and shrimp textures can change. If necessary, freeze in an airtight container for up to one month, but expect a slight compromise in texture upon thawing.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or additional pesto to revive the sauce and prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Microwave reheating works too but do so in short bursts to keep shrimp tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and prevent excess moisture.
Is it possible to make the pesto from scratch for this recipe?
Yes! Homemade pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil will add an extra fresh dimension, but the store-bought refrigerated pesto is a fantastic time-saver without sacrificing flavor.
Can I substitute another pasta shape in this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe?
Definitely. Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle are great alternatives that will also catch the pesto sauce well, though penne remains a classic choice here.
How spicy is this Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe?
This recipe isn’t spicy by default but if you love a little kick, adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking is an easy way to turn up the heat.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
For sure. Cherry tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms all complement the pesto and shrimp beautifully, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful and satisfying about preparing the Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe — it’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and fresh without any fuss. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed weeknight dinners without it. Go ahead, bring this recipe to your table and enjoy sharing its delicious, vibrant flavors with those you love.
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Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Shrimp Pesto Penne recipe is a quick and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring tender shrimp sautéed with crisp sugar snap peas, all tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce with a bright touch of lemon zest and juice, it delivers a perfect harmony of fresh and savory flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Paste and Sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 (8 ounce) container refrigerated prepared pesto
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21 to 25 count)
- 1 (8 ounce) package sugar snap peas, cut into ½-inch pieces
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Cook Shrimp and Snap Peas: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan and let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a slight sear. Then add the sugar snap peas cut into pieces and stir gently, cooking until the shrimp turn almost opaque and the peas are tender-crisp, about 2 more minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir the prepared pesto into the skillet with the shrimp and snap peas. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Stir in the lemon zest and juice for brightness. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust pesto sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use refrigerated pesto for convenience, or substitute with homemade pesto if preferred.
- Peel and devein shrimp beforehand to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Add snap peas last to keep their crunch and bright green color.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread for a complete meal.
