Savory Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Creamy and aromatic, this pesto shrimp mushroom pasta dances with vibrant flavors that promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Succulent shrimp nestled alongside earthy mushrooms create a magical combination on your plate.

Each twirl of pasta becomes a delightful journey through rich, herbaceous pesto notes.

The recipe blends simplicity with gourmet elegance, making dinner feel like a restaurant-quality treat.

Fresh ingredients merge seamlessly, delivering a meal that feels simultaneously comforting and sophisticated.

Seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts will adore this quick and luxurious dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this Mediterranean-inspired culinary masterpiece.

What You’ll Need For Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation, choose short pasta like penne or fusilli for better sauce clinging.
• Salt: Enhances pasta flavor during boiling, use kosher or sea salt for best taste.

• Shrimp: Delivers delicate ocean sweetness, select fresh or frozen medium-sized shrimp with firm texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds warm, smoky depth to shrimp, choose high-quality Spanish variety for authentic flavor.

• Olive Oil: Creates rich cooking base, opt for extra virgin for superior taste and health benefits.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity, fresh cloves deliver more robust flavor than pre-minced.
• Mushrooms: Introduces earthy undertones, select fresh cremini or white button for consistent texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers salty, nutty complexity, freshly grated provides superior melting properties.
• Pesto: Brings herbaceous Mediterranean charm, choose authentic basil-based sauce for traditional profile.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious sauce texture, use full-fat version for maximum richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick, adjust quantity based on heat preference.

• Fresh Basil: Adds bright, fresh finishing touch, tear leaves just before serving to preserve flavor.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: Provides final savory sprinkle, grate directly onto dish for maximum freshness.

Tools To Make Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing shrimp, mushrooms, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season shrimp and measure olive oil.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients in the skillet.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Cutting board: For any chopping of fresh basil or garlic if needed.
• Sharp knife: Useful for preparing garnishes or prepping ingredients.

Easy Instructions For Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until it reaches perfect tenderness. Save a small amount of water before draining.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Season shrimp with smoky spices. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp quickly until they turn a beautiful pink color. Set aside for later.

• Mushroom Magic

Use the same skillet to create golden mushrooms. Sauté until they develop a rich, caramelized texture. Add minced garlic for an extra flavor boost.

• Creamy Transformation

Lower the heat and blend cream, pesto, and cheese into a silky sauce. Sprinkle in some heat with red pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly.

• Delicious Fusion

Toss pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring every strand gets coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water. Gently reintroduce the shrimp to the pan.

• Final Touch

Plate the pasta and shower with fresh basil and extra cheese. Serve immediately while the dish is still steaming and full of flavor.

Tips For Creamy Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Fresh Seafood Selection: Choose wild-caught or sustainably sourced shrimp for the best flavor and environmental responsibility. Look for firm, translucent shrimp without strong fishy odors.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, brown rice pasta, or chickpea pasta to create a gluten-free version that's equally delicious and nutritious.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace shrimp with roasted chickpeas, grilled tofu cubes, or sautéed white beans for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative that maintains the creamy pesto essence.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference. For mild versions, use a pinch; for spice lovers, increase to 1/2 teaspoon. Alternatively, use smoked paprika for depth without intense heat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pesto sauce and chop ingredients in advance. Store separately in airtight containers, allowing quick assembly when ready to cook. The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for 34 days.

Serving Suggestions For Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Elegant Dinner Party Showcase: Arrange the pasta on a large white platter, creating beautiful swirls that highlight the golden shrimp and tender mushrooms. Sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves for a pop of green color.
• Rustic Family-Style Presentation: Serve directly from the skillet with crusty garlic bread on the side, allowing everyone to scoop generous portions and enjoy the rich, creamy sauce together.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the creamy pesto and enhances the shrimp's delicate flavor. Add a small glass beside each plate for a restaurant-quality experience.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in a tight-seal container for a delicious next-day meal. The flavors will intensify overnight, making for an even more delectable lunch at work or home.

Storage Plan For Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Fridge-Smart Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container, ensuring they stay fresh for 23 days. Cool the pasta completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Chop mushrooms and measure seasonings in advance, reducing cooking time and kitchen stress. Store prepped ingredients separately in sealed containers for easy weeknight cooking.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze sauce and shrimp separately without pasta to maintain optimal texture. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding fresh pasta when ready to serve.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide remaining pasta into individual meal-sized containers for grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents to track freshness and streamline meal planning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 3

Silky Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Savory pesto shrimp mushroom pasta merges Italian coastal flavors with earthy mushroom notes. Fresh herbs and succulent seafood create a memorable Mediterranean-inspired dining experience you will enjoy sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) pasta, linguine, spaghetti, or penne
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, cremini or button, sliced
• ⅓ cup (80ml) pesto, store-bought or homemade
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup (25g) parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps basil, fresh, chopped
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp salt (for boiling water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra parmesan cheese (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining, ensuring optimal sauce consistency later.
2. Shrimp Seasoning and Searing: Coat shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and quickly sear shrimp until they transform to a vibrant pink, guaranteeing complete cooking. Remove and set aside on a separate plate.
3. Mushroom and Garlic Infusion: In the same skillet, caramelize mushrooms until they develop a deep golden color. Add minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom and create a flavor-rich foundation.
4. Sauce Development: Lower skillet temperature and introduce heavy cream, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Optional red pepper flakes can enhance depth. Simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken and meld flavors harmoniously.
5. Final Assembly: Combine pasta with the luxurious sauce, ensuring thorough coating. If sauce appears too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve a silky texture. Gently fold seared shrimp back into the mixture.
6. Presentation: Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves and an additional Parmesan sprinkle. Serve immediately to capture the peak of flavor and texture.

Notes

• Control Pasta Texture: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, ensuring perfect coating without drying out or becoming too liquid.
• Master Shrimp Cooking: Sear quickly over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for pink color and slight curl to prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood.
• Enhance Mushroom Flavor: Allow mushrooms to caramelize without stirring frequently, creating golden edges that develop deep, rich umami notes and prevent steaming.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use gluten-free pasta, or replace shrimp with grilled chicken for alternative protein preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 250mg