Creamy Pesto Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne

This creamy pesto shrimp and sun-dried tomato penne is an easy yet elegant pasta dish. Plump shrimp is sautéed in garlic and nestled on top of penne pasta enveloped in a rich pesto cream sauce with bits of sun-dried tomato. Fresh basil adds a final punch of flavor. An impressive restaurant-worthy meal that can be whipped up in 30 minutes, this shrimp penne pasta makes a perfect date night dinner for two or sophisticated family supper.

Benefits of Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Pesto shrimp pasta has a lot going for it:

Quick and Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes for a fast meal.

Luxurious Flavors

Creamy, bright pesto paired with sweet shrimp.

Simple Ingredients

Grocery store staples make prep easy.

Dress Up a Weeknight

An elegant meal from humble ingredients.

Endlessly Customizable

Adapt with different veggies, pasta and proteins.

Tips for Making Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Follow these tips for maximum flavor and ease:

Cook the Pasta Al Dente

Undercook pasta slightly to finish absorbing sauce.

Use Frozen Shrimp

No-fuss easy protein just microwave to defrost.

Stir in Sauce Gradually

Gently fold sauce into pasta so it evenly coats.

Simmer Briefly

30-60 seconds simmer melds flavors beautifully.

Finish with Fresh Basil

Chopped basil adds color and brightness.

How to Make Pesto Shrimp Pasta

This easy skillet recipe comes together in minutes:

Ingredients:

Penne pasta, shrimp, prepared pesto, half and half, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, basil.

Directions:

1. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente.

2. Sauté shrimp with garlic and oil for 2-3 minutes.

3. Toss pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and half and half over low heat until coated.

4. Stir in shrimp and simmer briefly just until warmed through.

5. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Pesto Shrimp Pasta Alternatives

Adapt this recipe template using:

- Asparagus instead of sun-dried tomatoes

- Linguine or angel hair instead of penne

- Scallops or salmon instead of shrimp

- Basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto

- Peas, roasted red peppers, or artichokes

Complementary Side Dishes

Serve pesto shrimp pasta with:

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty loaf slathered with garlicky butter.

Green Salad

Mixed greens in lemon vinaigrette.

Bruschetta

Grilled bread topped with tomatoes and basil.

Sauteed Zucchini

Quick sautéed summer squash.

Elegant Yet Effortless Pesto Shrimp Pasta

This creamy pesto shrimp and sun-dried tomato penne looks like you spent all day in the kitchen, when really it only takes 30 minutes start to finish. The combination of plump shrimp, basil pesto cream sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes is luxurious yet easy on the everyday cook. Simply delicious!

5 FAQs about Pesto Shrimp Pasta

1. What pasta shape works best?

Penne, farfalle, or gemelli hold the sauce nicely. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti.

2. Is it better to use prepared or homemade pesto?

Prepared pesto saves time and effort but homemade has a fresher flavor.

3. Can you freeze pesto shrimp pasta?

Yes, it freezes well for 2-3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

4. How long does this pasta take to make?

Around 30 minutes start to finish, excluding the time to boil the pasta.

5. Can you use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Thaw under cool water or in the microwave before using.