Description
This Grilled Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines smoky grilled shrimp with a rich, garlicky basil pesto tossed over perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until opaque and slightly charred. Set aside.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
5. In a large bowl, toss pasta with basil pesto and a splash of pasta water to loosen sauce.
6. Add grilled shrimp, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Toss gently.
7. Season with red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Use quality olive oil and fresh basil for the most flavorful pesto.
You can substitute grilled chicken or scallops for the shrimp.
For a creamier texture, add a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese to the pesto.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 180mg