Creamy Pesto Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Linguine

A Quick and Creamy Shrimp Pasta Dinner

This creamy pesto shrimp and sun-dried tomato linguine is a fast and flavorful weeknight pasta recipe! Juicy shrimp sauté briefly in pesto and white wine, getting coated in an irresistible garlic cream sauce along with sun-dried tomatoes. Tossed with hot linguine, this easy shrimp pasta comes together in just 20 minutes.

The combination of tender shrimp, nutty pesto, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce makes this linguine incredibly delicious. Just a handful of ingredients and a quick sauté is all it takes for restaurant-quality flavor at home any night of the week. Keep reading for the simple recipe and tips for making this pesto shrimp pasta perfect every time.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this easy shrimp pasta (4 servings):

• 1 lb linguine pasta
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/3 cup prepared pesto
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped Italian parsley for garnish

That's all you need for an amazing gourmet-tasting shrimp pasta in minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's the simple process for making this delicious creamy pesto shrimp pasta:

Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté 2-3 minutes until pink.

Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pesto

Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and pesto. Cook 1 minute more.

Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in white wine and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Make the Cream Sauce

Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Let simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Toss with Pasta

Add drained hot linguine to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley. Enjoy immediately!

Make-Ahead Tips

Get a head start on this easy dinner with these make-ahead tips:

• Cook the linguine earlier in the day or the night before.
• Sauté the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
• Prepare the pesto cream sauce in advance.
• Cook the linguine just before serving to reheat.

With the sauce and pasta prep done ahead, dinner comes together in 10 minutes!

Shrimp Pairings

Customize your pasta by adding any of these ingredients when sautéing the shrimp:

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced mushrooms
• Spinach or kale
• Roasted red peppers
• Sliced zucchini or squash
• Artichoke hearts

Get creative with produce to make this shrimp pasta dish your own!

Serving Suggestions

Round out the meal with any of these easy complements:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Mixed green salad
• Bruschetta
• Wine-poached pears

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc wine pairs perfectly with this creamy pasta. Enjoy!

Storage and Leftovers

For tasty pasta leftovers:

• Let pasta dish cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water.
• Add fresh herbs before serving.

Enjoy this quick shrimp linguine even on your busiest nights with proper storage!

FAQs

What pasta shapes work best?

Linguine is classic, but spaghetti, fettuccine or angel hair also pair well.

Can I use dried basil instead of pesto?

Yes, use 1/4 cup packed dried basil leaves instead. Add a splash of olive oil as well.

Do I need special equipment to make this?

Nope, just a large skillet and pots for cooking the pasta and sauce.

Can I substitute different seafood?

Clams, mussels, scallops or cubed fish would also be delicious instead of shrimp.

Can I use jarred pesto?

Absolutely, prepared pesto saves time without sacrificing any flavor.

The Takeaway

This creamy pesto shrimp and sun-dried tomato linguine is a fast and easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality pasta at home. Juicy shrimp coated in nutty pesto and creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes makes a delicious flavor combination tossed with hot linguine. Prepared in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Follow the tips above for a flavorful pasta dinner the whole family will love!

Conclusion

Creamy Pesto Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Linguine is an amazing weeknight pasta dish ready in just 20 minutes. Plump shrimp sauté briefly in nutty pesto and white wine, getting coated in an irresistible garlic cream sauce along with sweet sun-dried tomatoes. Tossed with hot linguine, the combination of flavors is simply incredible. Just a few basic ingredients and a quick sauté makes an easy yet impressive dinner. Follow the simple steps above for flavorful shrimp pasta that never disappoints on busy nights!

FAQs

What's the best pasta shape to use?

Linguine works great, but spaghetti, fettuccine or angel hair also pair well.

Do I need a lot of special kitchen tools?

Just a large skillet and pots for cooking the pasta and sauce. No special equipment needed!

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, just thaw peeled frozen shrimp before sautéing in the pesto sauce.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water.

What protein alternatives work instead of shrimp?

Try clams, mussels, scallops, or cubed white fish for variety.