Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp is a luxurious yet surprisingly simple dish that brings together nutty pistachio pesto, tender shrimp, and a silky cream sauce. The pistachios add a rich, slightly sweet depth that sets this pesto apart from the classic basil-pine nut version, while the shrimp keep the dish light and elegant.
This pasta is perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It feels restaurant-quality but comes together quickly using fresh, flavorful ingredients. Every bite is creamy, aromatic, and beautifully balanced.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp
- Unique pistachio pesto flavor
- Creamy but not heavy
- Quick and easy weeknight pasta
- Feels elegant and restaurant-worthy
- Packed with protein from shrimp
- Easy to customize
Why You Should Try This Recipe
A Fresh Twist on Pesto Pasta
Pistachios bring a buttery, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp and cream, offering a refined alternative to traditional pesto.
Perfect Balance of Rich and Light
While the sauce is creamy, the shrimp and herbs keep the dish from feeling too heavy, making it satisfying without being overwhelming.
Impressive Yet Simple
This recipe looks and tastes impressive, but the steps are straightforward—ideal for both entertaining and everyday cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Pistachio pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Lemon zest or lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp (Step by Step)
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp
Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the creamy sauce
In the same skillet, sauté garlic briefly until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add pistachio pesto
Stir pistachio pesto into the cream sauce until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Combine pasta and shrimp
Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Finish the dish
Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest or juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 520–650
- Protein: 28–34g
- Carbohydrates: 45–55g
- Fat: 30–38g
- Sodium: Moderate
Tips for the Best Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta
- Use raw shrimp for best texture
- Don’t overcook the shrimp
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother sauce
- Add pasta water gradually for perfect consistency
- Finish with lemon to brighten flavors
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Add spinach or asparagus
- Make it spicy with extra chili flakes
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed
- Try ricotta instead of cream for a lighter sauce
What to Serve with Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Simple arugula salad
- Roasted vegetables
- White wine or sparkling water
- Lemon-dressed greens
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking shrimp
- Boiling the cream sauce
- Using too much pesto at once
- Skipping pasta water
- Forgetting to season at the end
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water
- Avoid microwaving shrimp too long
- Not recommended for freezing
Conclusion
Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Shrimp is a refined, flavorful dish that’s perfect when you want something a little different. With its nutty pesto, tender shrimp, and creamy sauce, it delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. Easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests, this pasta is sure to become a favorite.
General Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Pasta / Seafood