Easy Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe / Scrumptious Weeknight Magic

Pesto shrimp mushroom pasta emerges as a delightful culinary symphony that crafts ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance through each twirled forkful, promising a sensory journey beyond basic weeknight cooking.

Delicate seafood mingles with robust fungi, creating unexpected depth and complexity on your plate.

Aromatic herbs weave through the dish, infusing every bite with bright, fresh notes that awaken the palate.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with al dente pasta, offering a harmonious balance of comfort and sophistication.

Home cooks can craft this restaurant-worthy creation with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible combination.

Pairing Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta with Wine

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the vibrant pesto and succulent shrimp with a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the richness while enhancing the herbal notes.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve alongside a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the flavorful pesto-chicken broth sauce, adding delightful texture to each bite.
• Create a Side Salad Boost: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy contrast that balances the creamy pasta and highlights the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Select Refreshing Beverage Companion: Enjoy with a chilled sparkling water infused with fresh basil or a citrus-based mocktail to cleanse the palate between bites of this herb-packed pasta dish.

Variations of Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Zesty Mediterranean Style: Swap chicken broth with white wine, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired version that brings coastal flavors to your plate.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Spin: Replace red pepper flakes with Cajun seasoning, use andouille sausage alongside shrimp, and include diced bell peppers for a New Orleans-style kick.
• Creamy Herb Fusion: Incorporate heavy cream into the sauce, use wild mushrooms like chanterelles, and mix in fresh thyme and parsley for a rich, earthy flavor profile that feels luxurious.
• Light Veggie-Packed Alternative: Substitute shrimp with grilled zucchini and artichoke hearts, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add roasted cherry tomatoes for a vegetarian option bursting with garden-fresh taste.

Flavorful Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Speed Up Dinner: Whip up this delightful pasta dish in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but have limited time.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines the zesty punch of basil pesto, succulent shrimp, and earthy mushrooms, creating a harmony of tastes that dance on your taste buds with every bite.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required as most ingredients are cooked in a single skillet, making this recipe a lifesaver for those who dislike washing multiple pots and pans.
• Protein-Packed Meal: Loaded with 24 grams of protein from shrimp, this dish keeps you satisfied and energized, making it an excellent choice for active individuals seeking a nutritious dinner option.

Ingredients for Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides the main protein and delicate flavor to the dish. Fresh, deveined shrimp work best for quick cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce, enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Mushrooms: Earthy vegetables that add texture and umami flavor to the pasta. Sliced cremini or white button mushrooms are ideal.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that provides a fresh finishing touch and vibrant green color to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to balance the creamy pesto sauce.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat that helps sauté shrimp and mushrooms while preventing sticking.
• Basil Pesto: Creamy sauce that coats the pasta with herbaceous, garlicky flavor. Store-bought or homemade works well.
• Pasta: Serves as the base of the dish, providing a hearty and satisfying foundation for the shrimp and mushroom mixture.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients.

How to Make Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add of olive oil, letting it spread smoothly across the surface.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

• Salt
• Red pepper flakes

Cook for 3 minutes, flipping halfway through until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms

Pour another tablespoon of olive oil into the same skillet. Add sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally until mushrooms soften and release their liquid, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Basil pesto
• Chicken broth

Stir everything together on medium heat until well combined. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain when pasta reaches al dente texture.

Step 6: Final Toss and Garnish

Add cooked pasta to the shrimp and mushroom mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure even sauce coating. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of freshness just before serving.

Enjoy your mouthwatering pasta creation!

Tips for a Flavorful Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Sear Shrimp Perfectly: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming, which creates a more flavorful result.
• Control Mushroom Moisture: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to help mushrooms release liquid faster and develop a rich, caramelized texture.
• Balance Pesto Distribution: Warm the pesto briefly to help it coat pasta more evenly, ensuring each bite has maximum herb and garlic flavor.
• Select Pasta Wisely: Choose pasta shapes with ridges or curves like rotini or farfalle to help sauce cling better and enhance overall taste experience.
• Garnish with Purpose: Chop fresh basil just before adding to maintain vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils for a bright, fresh finish.

Storing and Reheating Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Refrigeration Method: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. These leftovers will stay delicious for 3-4 days when properly stored.
• Reheating Technique: Warm the pasta slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve its texture and prevent overcooking. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir gently while reheating to distribute heat evenly and maintain the pesto's creamy consistency.
• Freezing Option: Wrap the cooled pasta securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pesto shrimp mushroom pasta brings Mediterranean flair to weeknight dinners with luxurious herbal notes and succulent seafood. Rich parmesan, tender shrimp, and earthy mushrooms blend seamlessly, delivering delightful flavor you’ll savor in just 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces (226 grams) spiral pasta
• 8 ounces (226 grams) white mushrooms, sliced

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) basil pesto
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish:

• Chopped fresh basil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm a generously sized skillet over medium-high temperature until it radiates intense heat. Drizzle of olive oil across the surface, allowing it to spread evenly without aggressive splattering.
2. Arrange the shrimp across the skillet’s surface, sprinkling with precisely of salt and of crushed red pepper flakes. Sear the seafood for approximately 3 minutes, rotating midway through the cooking process until they transform into a vibrant pink and achieve complete doneness. Carefully transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Utilizing the same skillet, introduce another tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil. Scatter sliced mushrooms and dust with a delicate pinch of salt to amplify their natural essence. Gently manipulate the mushrooms, allowing them to soften and release their internal moisture over 1-2 minutes.
4. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked shrimp into the mushroom-filled skillet. Pour in of homemade basil pesto and of rich chicken broth. Blend the ingredients thoroughly on medium heat, ensuring a harmonious integration before removing from the heat source.
5. Simultaneously, prepare the pasta according to the manufacturer’s recommended instructions in a separate pot. Drain the pasta once it reaches the ideal al dente consistency.
6. Merge the pasta with the shrimp and mushroom mixture, carefully coating each strand with the luscious sauce. Elevate the dish’s visual and flavor profile by generously scattering freshly chopped basil leaves across the top moments before serving.

Notes

• Personalize your pasta adventure with this quick and zesty seafood dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Shrimp cooks lightning-fast, so keep a watchful eye to prevent overcooking and maintain its delicate, tender texture.
• Mushrooms release surprising amounts of moisture, which creates a natural, flavorful base for your creamy pesto sauce.
• Choose fresh basil pesto for an authentic, vibrant flavor that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Chicken broth adds depth and brings all ingredients together, creating a harmonious blend of seafood, herbs, and earthy mushroom notes.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg