Weeknight • Seafood
Speedy Lemon Pesto Pasta with Shrimp
A bright and zesty pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, vibrant pesto, and a refreshing lemon kick.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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When you need a meal that tastes like sunshine but comes together in a flash, this Speedy Lemon Pesto Pasta with Shrimp is your new best friend! It’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the aromatic pesto and a burst of fresh lemon, all perfectly complementing tender, juicy shrimp. This dish is proof that quick dinners can be absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup prepared basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3
Add shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet (no need to clean!), add the cooked and drained pasta. Stir in the pesto, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 5
If the pasta seems a little dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine and heat through.
Step 6
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, and a lemon wedge for an extra squeeze of freshness.
Tips
- Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference in this dish. Skip the pre-grated stuff!
- Don't overcook the shrimp, or they'll become tough. They cook very quickly!
- For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic powder when seasoning the shrimp.
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