Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Shrimp (25 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

For those days when you crave pasta but want to venture beyond the typical marinara or Alfredo sauce, this pesto spaghetti hits the mark. Combining the aromatic freshness of pesto with the rich flavor of shrimp, this dish offers a delightful twist on the usual pasta dinner. And with a sprinkle of Parmesan, you’re guaranteed a savory kick that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Quick to prepare but with an upscale taste, it’s the ideal dinner for busy weeknights or when entertaining friends.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought pesto sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Spaghetti (8-10 minutes): In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Shrimp (4-5 minutes): In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque.
  3. Combine Pasta and Shrimp (2 minutes): Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir in the pesto sauce, ensuring that the pasta and shrimp are well coated.
  4. Serve (2 minutes): Divide the pasta among serving plates. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

This spaghetti dish marries the creamy allure of pesto with the oceanic goodness of shrimp, creating a medley of flavors that’s both hearty and fresh. It’s a meal that satisfies yet feels light and elegant. For an even heartier version, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the dish beautifully, and a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad rounds out the meal perfectly. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 510mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Pair this with...

Parmesan and Lemon Broccolini

Start with fresh broccolini, ensuring they're cleaned and trimmed. Lay them out on a baking sheet, so they've got some space to get nice and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it coat each stalk with a shiny gloss. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the broccolini, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Into a preheated oven they go, roasting until they're tender with crispy, golden edges. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the top, adding a bright, zingy contrast to the savory Parmesan. Perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too, for an extra kick.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Start by cleaning your mushrooms — whether it's button, cremini, or shiitake — with a damp paper towel. Avoid washing them, as mushrooms soak up water easily. Slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter or heat a bit of olive oil. Add in the sliced mushrooms, spreading them out to avoid overcrowding. Let them cook without stirring for a few minutes to get a nice sear, then give them a toss. As they release their natural juices and start to brown, season with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic (minced or powdered) for added flavor. Continue to cook until the mushrooms are tender and flavorful. Finish off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme if desired.

Garlic Bread

Grab a loaf of your favorite bread—baguette or ciabatta are classics. Slice it up, but not all the way through, so it fans out nicely. In a bowl, melt some butter and stir in minced garlic (as much or as little as you like), a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a touch of dried parsley for that extra flair. Generously brush or spread this garlicky goodness between the slices. Wrap the loaf in foil and pop it into a pre-heated oven. When it's golden and aromatic, pull it out and enjoy the buttery, crispy, garlicky delight.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Mustard and Honey Glazed Chicken with Cucumber Couscous Salad (1 Hr, 10 Mins)

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (35 Minutes)

Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Bake (30-35 Minutes)

Spicy Chicken Quesadillas (30 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!