Give it up my sweet friend! You cannot resist the temptation of this Pesto Shrimp Scampi recipe. I’m literally jumping with excitement to share this one with you today.
Come to Mama! This dish is my absolute obsession right now. I’ve been making it weekly because it’s just that incredible.
The combination of garlicky shrimp and vibrant pesto will make your taste buds dance. We’re talking restaurant-quality magic in under 30 minutes! If you love quick shrimp dishes, you should definitely try our juicy garlic butter shrimp scampi that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
I first discovered this beauty during a summer trip to the Italian coast. A tiny family restaurant served something similar, and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since.
When I got home, I spent weeks perfecting my own version. Now it’s my go-to for impressing dinner guests or treating myself after a long day.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
I get so excited gathering these ingredients! The fresh herbs and plump shrimp make my heart sing every time.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
PREPARATION
Trust me, having everything prepped makes the cooking process so much smoother. I like to line everything up like I’m on a cooking show! If you’re looking for another amazing one-pot meal that the whole family will love, don’t miss our ultimate one-pot lasagna soup that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Here’s your complete ingredient lineup:
Pesto Shrimp Scampi Recipe
My Shopping List for This Recipe
PREPARATION
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Pesto Shrimp Scampi Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Okay friends, this is where the magic happens! I get so giddy watching this dish come together.
Follow these steps and you’ll have perfection on your plate:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for your pasta. Trust me, salting the water generously makes all the difference!
- While water heats, pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. This helps them get that beautiful sear.
- Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. They’ll finish cooking later in the sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce by half.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in pesto until warmed through. The aroma at this point is absolutely heavenly!
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat everything in that glorious sauce.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Finish with Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and dreamy!
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
I love playing with this recipe! Here are some of my favorite twists that keep things exciting.
Add cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. They roast beautifully alongside the shrimp.
Swap linguine for zucchini noodles if you’re feeling low-carb. The sauce clings perfectly to them too!
Mix in some spinach or arugula at the end for extra greens. They wilt beautifully into the warm sauce.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
This dish stores surprisingly well! Here are my pro tips for enjoying leftovers.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight!
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. This prevents the sauce from breaking.
I don’t recommend freezing since the pesto can separate. But honestly, there are rarely leftovers to freeze!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 485 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
If you enjoyed the bright flavors in this pesto shrimp scampi, you’ll absolutely adore our zesty lemon-herb shrimp scampi that brings even more freshness to your table.
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator first. Pat them extra dry to ensure perfect searing.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries! Chicken or vegetable broth works beautifully. You could even use a splash of lemon juice with water.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth. Feel free to adjust or omit them based on your preference!
I’m telling you, this recipe will become your new weeknight hero. It’s elegant enough for company but easy enough for any busy evening.
The way the garlic, pesto, and shrimp come together is pure magic. Every bite feels like a celebration!
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
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