Tantalizing Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe For Dinner Magic

Steaming hot plates of comfort await you with this delectable pesto shrimp mushroom pasta that combines rich, earthy flavors and succulent seafood.

Tender shrimp dance alongside plump mushrooms in a vibrant green sauce that promises pure culinary delight.

The fresh basil pesto coats each strand of pasta with an aromatic embrace, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Weeknight dinners have never looked so elegant or tasted so incredible.

Mushrooms add a deep, umami complexity that perfectly complements the sweet, juicy shrimp.

Home chefs will love how quickly this restaurant-worthy dish comes together with minimal effort.

Bold flavors and simple ingredients merge to create a meal that feels both luxurious and approachable.

Let’s dive into a pasta experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Large Shrimp: Sweet, tender seafood that adds elegant protein with a delicate ocean flavor; choose fresh or frozen shrimp with firm, translucent flesh and no strong fishy smell.

• Spiral Pasta: Twisty pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds sauce; select high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture and authentic Italian taste.

• White Mushrooms, Basil Pesto, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Create a rich, aromatic sauce with layered umami and herbaceous notes; fresh mushrooms should be firm and free of dark spots, while pesto should have vibrant green color and nutty aroma.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds final burst of freshness and visual appeal; choose crisp leaves with deep green color and no wilting.

Tools That Make Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Simple

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing shrimp and mushrooms, with even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing mushrooms and chopping fresh basil.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate salt and red pepper flake amounts.
• Measuring Cup: Helps measure pesto and chicken broth precisely.
• Pasta Pot: Required for cooking pasta to al dente perfection.
• Colander: Used for draining pasta after cooking.

Directions for Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Dinner

• Shrimp Sizzle

Warm up a skillet and let olive oil dance across its surface. Drop in succulent shrimp seasoned with a sprinkle of salt and red pepper flakes. Watch them transform into a delightful pink color while cooking, then set them aside.

• Mushroom Magic

In the same pan, invite sliced mushrooms to release their earthy goodness. Let them soften and create a rich, savory base that will elevate the entire dish.

• Flavor Fusion

Reunite the shrimp with the mushrooms. Pour in vibrant basil pesto and chicken broth, creating a luscious sauce that will coat every inch of your pasta. Stir gently to blend all the flavors together.

• Pasta Perfection

Cook your pasta until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Drain and introduce it to the shrimp and mushroom mixture, allowing each strand to become beautifully dressed in the aromatic sauce.

• Final Touch

Give everything a loving toss to ensure complete sauce coverage. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of green freshness that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Add-Ons and Switch-Ups for Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or grated parmesan cheese over the final dish for an extra layer of richness and crunch that elevates the entire meal.
• Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, seared scallops, or crispy tofu if you want to experiment with different protein options that complement the pesto sauce perfectly.
• Toss in additional vegetables like spinach, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more depth in the dish's overall texture and flavor profile.
• Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, or try adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne for a unique twist that suits your personal taste preferences.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of chicken broth to maintain the pasta's moisture and prevent drying out.

How to Serve Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Right

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top to add a sharp, salty kick that complements the creamy pesto sauce and brings out the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Herb Garden Finish: Scatter fresh chopped parsley or additional basil leaves just before serving to introduce a vibrant, green brightness that elevates the entire dish's visual and taste appeal.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, which cuts through the richness of the pesto and matches perfectly with the shrimp's delicate texture.
• Crunch Factor Boost: Top with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs to provide a delightful textural contrast against the soft pasta and tender shrimp, creating a more complex and satisfying eating experience.

Save and Store Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Smoothly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Seal tightly to lock in flavors and keep the pasta's texture intact.
• Optimal Cooling Approach: Let the pasta cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. This step prevents condensation and keeps the dish from becoming soggy during storage.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Refresh cold pasta by adding a splash of chicken broth or water when warming. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.
• Shelf Life Management: Consume refrigerated pesto shrimp pasta within 3-4 days for best quality. Check for any unusual odors or changes in texture before reheating, and discard if any signs of spoilage appear.

Creamy Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent pesto shrimp mushroom pasta merges Mediterranean flavors with creamy textures. Garlic, basil, and parmesan elevate this simple dish for quick weeknight dinners you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (226 g) pasta, spiral
• 8 oz (226 g) mushrooms, white, sliced
• ½ cup (120 ml) pesto, basil
• ½ cup (120 ml) broth, chicken
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• basil, fresh, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Skillet Preparation: Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame, creating an even layer of olive oil across the surface to prevent sticking and ensure smooth cooking.
2. Shrimp Searing: Introduce shrimp to the heated skillet, seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 minutes, flipping midway until they transform to a vibrant pink, indicating complete cooking. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Mushroom Transformation: In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil and scatter sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle with salt to intensify their earthy flavor. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they soften and release natural moisture.
4. Sauce Integration: Return shrimp to the skillet with mushrooms. Pour in basil pesto and chicken broth, stirring to create a cohesive sauce. Simmer on medium heat until ingredients meld perfectly.
5. Pasta Completion: Cook pasta in a separate pot until reaching al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and combine with the shrimp-mushroom mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated with the aromatic sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves just before serving to enhance the dish’s visual appeal and herbal notes.

Notes

• Sear Shrimp Perfectly: Cook shrimp quickly over high heat to prevent rubbery texture, ensuring they turn pink and curl slightly without overcooking.
• Mushroom Moisture Management: Allow mushrooms to release water naturally without overcrowding the pan, which helps develop rich caramelized flavor and prevents soggy results.
• Pasta Timing Technique: Cook pasta al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce after mixing, preventing mushy noodles and maintaining ideal texture.
• Pesto Power Tip: Homemade pesto provides deeper flavor, but quality store-bought versions work well when time is limited; stir in pesto off direct heat to preserve fresh herb taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg