Description
A quick and flavorful Pesto Shrimp Mushroom Pasta recipe that combines tender shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic basil pesto with spiral pasta for a delicious dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Produce
- 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Dairy/Condiments
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 1 more tablespoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus another 1/4 teaspoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces spiral pasta
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil; it should glide without sizzling. Add the shrimp, seasoning with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for about 3 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms and combine: Into the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook while stirring for about 1 to 2 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid, soften, and reduce in volume. Return the shrimp to the skillet, then add 1/2 cup basil pesto and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir everything gently to combine and warm through, then remove from heat.
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the spiral pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine and serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp, mushrooms, and pesto sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
- Optional pesto tip: For a fresher flavor, try making basil pesto from scratch using fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and seasoning for a vibrant homemade touch.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it pescatarian.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free meal option.
- Fresh basil garnish adds a burst of freshness and color—don’t skip it!
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture when mixed with the sauce.
