Creamy Pesto Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta
Looking for a quick, tasty, and fresh pasta recipe? This creamy pesto shrimp and asparagus pasta is the answer. It has juicy shrimp, tender pasta, crisp asparagus, and a fragrant basil pesto sauce. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness, making it light yet filling.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or even when you’re hosting friends. It looks elegant, tastes amazing, and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work best)
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Sauce and Garnish
- ½ cup prepared basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Remove shrimp from the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Asparagus
In the same skillet, add asparagus and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Lower the heat. Return shrimp to the skillet, then add pasta, pesto, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Toss well until everything is coated.
Step 5: Serve
Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick and easy — ready in just 30 minutes
- Light but filling — perfect balance of flavors and textures
- Fresh and seasonal — asparagus and pesto bring brightness
- Flexible — easy to customize with different proteins or pasta
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, they cook very quickly.
- Save a little pasta water — it helps make the pesto sauce creamy.
- Use fresh pesto if possible — it makes a big difference in flavor.
- Add extra veggies like spinach, peas, or zucchini for variety.
Conclusion
This creamy pesto shrimp and asparagus pasta is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. It’s a recipe that feels gourmet but only takes half an hour to make. With juicy shrimp, fresh asparagus, and vibrant pesto, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
