Creamy Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Twirling your fork through a delectable pesto shrimp mushroom pasta that dances with vibrant flavors.

Succulent shrimp nestle between earthy mushroom slices, each strand coated in fragrant green sauce.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly in this quick weeknight marvel.

Weekends or busy evenings call for simple yet impressive meals that spark conversation.

Wild mushrooms add an unexpected depth to classic seafood combinations.

Kitchen experiments often yield the most delightful culinary surprises.

She craves something elegant yet effortless – this recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Let’s transform dinner into a gourmet experience without hours of complicated preparation.

Why Everyone Enjoys Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Speedy Seafood Satisfaction: This pesto shrimp mushroom pasta delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Flavor-Packed Texture Adventure: The dish combines succulent shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and creamy pesto sauce that creates a luxurious mouthfeel with crisp-tender pasta, offering a delightful contrast in every single bite.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup meets maximum flavor through this streamlined cooking method, where each ingredient builds layers of taste without creating mountains of dirty dishes – making it an ideal recipe for home cooks who want convenience without compromising on gourmet quality.
• Customizable Comfort Meal: Easy to adapt for different preferences by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or making it vegetarian, this versatile pasta ensures everyone at the table can enjoy a personalized dining experience.

What Goes Into Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Pasta: Classic foundation for the dish, perfect for holding the creamy sauce.
• Salt: Enhances pasta flavor during boiling.

• Shrimp, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Seafood protein with warm, smoky seasoning notes.
• Tips: Choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for easy preparation.

• Mushrooms, Garlic: Earthy and aromatic base providing depth of flavor.
• Notes: Use fresh button or cremini mushrooms for best texture.

• Heavy Cream, Pesto, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, herbal sauce with rich cheese undertones.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for extra flavor.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and subtle Mediterranean flavor.

• Fresh Basil, Extra Parmesan Cheese: Bright, fresh finishing touches for added aroma and taste.

Steps For Making Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water – it’ll be your secret weapon later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet. Drop those seasoned shrimp into the hot pan and cook them until they turn a beautiful pink and become slightly curled. This should take just a few minutes on each side. Once done, transfer them to a plate and keep them warm.

Step 3: Caramelize the Mushrooms

Using the same skillet (hello, fewer dishes!), add a splash more olive oil. Toss in your mushrooms and let them dance around the pan. The goal is to get them golden brown and super flavorful. Midway through cooking, introduce some minced garlic and let it become wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Magical Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Pesto
• Parmesan cheese

If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a kick. Let everything simmer and get to know each other, stirring occasionally until the sauce starts to thicken up nicely.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Time for the grand finale! Slide your cooked pasta into the skillet and toss it around so every single strand gets coated in that dreamy sauce. If things look a bit thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up. Gently fold in the shrimp, making sure they get warmed through.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Dish out your pasta into beautiful plates. Sprinkle some fresh basil on top and add an extra handful of Parmesan cheese. Your dinner is ready to be devoured!

Smart Tips For Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Quick Pasta Water Trick: Save some pasta water before draining to help create a silky, perfectly coated sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle.
• Shrimp Cooking Precision: Watch shrimp carefully while cooking; they turn opaque and pink quickly, and overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.
• Mushroom Browning Secret: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve golden, caramelized mushrooms with maximum flavor depth.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce becomes too thick, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture that coats the pasta evenly.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a dietary-friendly version without compromising taste.

How To Keep Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Fresh

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store remaining pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Stovetop Refresh: Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
• Avoid Freezing: Skip freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces and shrimp tend to separate and lose texture when thawed, compromising the meal's quality.

What To Pair With Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the creamy pesto sauce and highlight the delicate shrimp flavors. These light wines cut through the richness while enhancing the dish's herbal notes.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a zesty side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan. The bright, tangy greens provide a perfect contrast to the creamy pasta and balance the dish's richness.
• Choose Crusty Garlic Bread: Select a warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread to soak up the delicious pesto cream sauce. Toasted and brushed with garlic butter, this side perfectly complements the pasta's flavors and adds a delightful crunch.
• Serve with Sparkling Water: Add a refreshing twist with lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water. The light, bubbly beverage cleanses the palate between bites and provides a clean, crisp accompaniment to the rich pasta.

Ways To Change Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta

• Spicy Cilantro Lime Fusion: Replace pesto with a zesty cilantro lime sauce made from fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and jalapeños. Swap shrimp with grilled chicken for a tangy protein alternative.
• Mediterranean Seafood Medley: Incorporate kalamata olives, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Use a blend of shrimp and scallops to enhance the seafood profile with Mediterranean flavors.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Harvest: Substitute shrimp with roasted chickpeas or plant-based protein. Add extra mushroom varieties like shiitake and oyster mushrooms for a rich, earthy texture. Include spinach or kale for additional nutrients.
• Creamy Cajun Seafood Style: Season with Cajun spices instead of smoked paprika. Add andouille sausage for depth and complexity. Include bell peppers and green onions to boost the Louisiana-inspired flavor profile.

Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta FAQs

• What makes pesto shrimp mushroom pasta special?

This dish combines succulent shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and creamy pesto sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare at home. The blend of flavors creates a rich, satisfying experience that feels gourmet but is simple to make.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Frozen shrimp works perfectly and can be a convenient option when you don’t have fresh seafood on hand.

• Is this recipe suitable for those who don't like spicy food?

Yes! The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can easily skip them if you prefer a milder flavor. The dish is naturally flavorful with the pesto, Parmesan, and herbs, so it will still taste delicious without any heat.

• How can I make this pasta healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, use whole wheat pasta, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost the nutritional value while keeping the dish delicious and satisfying.

Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 36 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with creamy, herbal notes. Succulent shrimp and earthy mushrooms mingle perfectly, creating a quick weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 8 oz (225g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• ⅓ cup (80ml) pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, then immerse pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Extract and preserve a portion of the starchy liquid before draining the noodles.
2. Lavish shrimp with a robust blend of smoked paprika, salt, and cracked pepper. Sear the delicate seafood in a heated skillet with olive oil, transforming them into a vibrant pink hue and ensuring they’re thoroughly cooked through. Transfer the succulent morsels to a temporary resting plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to caramelize mushrooms, allowing them to develop a rich golden complexion. Introduce minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to permeate the pan, creating a flavor foundation.
4. Reduce the skillet’s temperature and incorporate velvety heavy cream, aromatic pesto, and aged Parmesan. Optional red pepper flakes can elevate the dish’s complexity. Allow the mixture to harmonize and slightly thicken through gentle simmering.
5. Marry the pasta with the luscious sauce, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated. Should the consistency seem overly dense, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve silky smoothness. Gently reintegrate the expertly seasoned shrimp into the ensemble.
6. Elegantly plate the creation, adorning with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan, then serve this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece immediately for optimal gustatory pleasure.

Notes

• Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or gluten-free alternatives to create a lighter, low-carb version of this delicious dish.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Select fresh, high-quality pesto for maximum flavor intensity and avoid watery or bland store-bought versions.
• Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful caramelization on mushrooms and shrimp without burning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 200mg