Creamy Pesto Shrimp Recipe

This Creamy Pesto Shrimp is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home! Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious creamy pesto sauce with bursts of fresh tomato flavor. This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a complete and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Pesto Shrimp:

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Minced, they add a fragrant touch.
• Half-and-half: Creates a creamy and luscious sauce.
• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, they are the star of the dish.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved, they add bursts of fresh flavor and color.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded, it adds a salty and nutty flavor.
• Pesto: Use store-bought or homemade pesto for a vibrant and flavorful sauce.
• Optional: Fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese for garnish.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Shrimp

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp and Tomatoes

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and 1/3 cup of the half-and-half. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and stir. Cook until the shrimp is nearly cooked through and pink on both sides.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Stir in the remaining half-and-half, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Cook for 1 minute, or until the shrimp is fully cooked through and pink.

Step 3: Add the Pesto and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the pesto while everything is still hot. This will help the pesto emulsify into the sauce and create a creamy texture.
2. Serve the Creamy Pesto Shrimp immediately over your choice of cooked pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.
3. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve

• Main course: This Creamy Pesto Shrimp is a delicious and satisfying main course on its own.
• Over pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine.
• Over rice: It also pairs well with steamed white or brown rice.
• With zucchini noodles: For a low-carb option, serve it over zucchini noodles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Pesto Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating

Reheat the shrimp and sauce gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes, you can substitute shrimp with chicken, scallops, or even tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Half-and-half is recommended for the best texture, but you can substitute it with a combination of heavy cream and whole milk. Keep in mind that using all heavy cream will make a richer and heavier sauce, while using whole milk will result in a thinner sauce.

Can I use a different type of tomato?

Yes, you can use diced tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can cook the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked shrimp.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy Creamy Pesto Shrimp!

Print