Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

The aromatic fusion of herbaceous pesto, succulent shrimp, and earthy mushrooms creates an irresistible symphony in this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta. This Italian-inspired dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. The tender pasta coated in vibrant pesto provides the perfect canvas for juicy shrimp and umami-rich mushrooms. You’ll learn how to balance these flavors perfectly while creating a creamy texture that doesn’t rely on heavy cream, making this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta both indulgent and relatively light.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta delivers an incredible depth of flavor while requiring minimal cooking time – perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The contrast between the tender shrimp, silky mushrooms, and al dente pasta creates a texture adventure in every bite.

The bright, herbaceous pesto sauce brings everything together without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavors. Unlike many creamy pasta dishes that leave you feeling heavy, this pasta with shrimp and mushrooms maintains a lighter profile while still feeling indulgent.

What truly sets this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta apart is its versatility. It works beautifully as a quick family dinner yet appears elegant enough for entertaining guests. The vibrant colors – from the green pesto to the pink shrimp to the earthy mushrooms – create a visual feast that matches the delightful taste experience. And for busy cooks, many components can be prepped ahead, making final assembly quick and stress-free.

Ingredients

For this delicious Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta, gather the following:

• 12 oz (340g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 3/4 cup (180ml) prepared basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
• 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

The quality of your pesto significantly impacts the final dish. While homemade is ideal (using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil), a high-quality store-bought variety works well when time is limited. For the mushrooms, cremini provide a deeper flavor than white button mushrooms, but either will complement the shrimp wonderfully.

Pro Tips

Choose the right shrimp size: For this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta, medium shrimp (around 31-40 count per pound) work best. They cook quickly and are perfectly bite-sized when paired with pasta. Always pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and prevent them from steaming instead of searing.

Master mushroom cooking technique: For perfect mushrooms, avoid overcrowding the pan, which causes them to steam rather than brown. Cook them in a single layer in a hot pan without stirring for the first 2-3 minutes. This creates that desirable golden crust and intensifies their flavor before adding them to your pasta with shrimp.

Perfect your pasta water usage: Reserve at least half a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. This liquid gold helps create a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Add it incrementally to your Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta while tossing to achieve the perfect consistency – not too dry, not too watery. This technique eliminates the need for cream while still creating a luxurious texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it – that starch will help the pesto sauce adhere beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the mushrooms
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Season with salt and pepper, then stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until tender. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the shrimp
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels, then add them to the hot pan along with minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them – they should be just done as they’ll continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot pasta.

Step 4: Combine everything
Return the cooked mushrooms to the skillet with the shrimp. Add the drained pasta and pesto to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, gradually adding splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats every strand. The starchy water helps the pesto adhere to the pasta while creating a luxurious texture.

Step 5: Finish and serve
Remove from heat and add the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, tossing to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Divide your Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta among warmed plates, garnish with torn basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Variations

Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta: For a richer version of this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream when combining all ingredients. This creates a silkier sauce that adds luxurious richness without overwhelming the fresh pesto flavor. Perfect for those special occasions when calories don’t count!

Mediterranean Twist: Transform this dish by adding 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan. These additions bring bright acidity and briny notes that complement the pesto and shrimp beautifully, creating a coastal Mediterranean variation of the classic recipe.

Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based alternative, substitute the shrimp with 1 cup of roasted chickpeas or white beans. Season them with a little paprika and garlic powder before roasting until crisp. This version maintains the protein content while providing a completely different textural experience that still pairs wonderfully with the mushrooms and pesto base.

Storage and Serving

This Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, when the pasta is perfectly al dente and the shrimp are at their most tender. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth and warm gently on the stovetop to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

For a complete meal, serve your pasta with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors in the dish. A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect pairing, as their bright acidity cuts through the richness of the pesto.

For an elegant presentation, serve the Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta in warmed shallow bowls, garnished with additional fresh basil, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan. For casual family dinners, a basket of garlic bread on the side makes a welcome addition for soaking up every last bit of the delicious pesto sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this pasta recipe?
Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water if you’re short on time. Pat them thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure proper browning. Frozen shrimp is often a more economical option for this Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta without sacrificing quality.

What’s the best substitute if I don’t have fresh basil for homemade pesto?
Store-bought pesto works perfectly in this recipe. Look for refrigerated varieties rather than shelf-stable options for better flavor. Alternatively, you can make pesto with baby spinach and basil combined for a more economical option that still provides vibrant color and flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
It’s best to prepare components separately and assemble just before serving. Cook the pasta slightly under al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Sauté mushrooms and shrimp separately and refrigerate. When ready to serve, quickly reheat everything in a large pan with a splash of pasta water and the pesto.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Rice, corn, or chickpea pasta all work well. Just be sure to reserve some pasta cooking water as gluten-free varieties can sometimes be drier when tossed with sauce.

What other mushroom varieties work well in this recipe?
While cremini mushrooms are specified, oyster, shiitake, or even portobello mushrooms (sliced) make excellent substitutions or additions. Each brings a unique flavor profile to the Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta, with shiitakes adding a more intense umami quality and oyster mushrooms contributing a delicate texture.

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