Give it up my sweet friend! You cannot resist the temptation of this Pesto Garlic Shrimp Scampi – Herby Italian Flavor. I’m literally dreaming about it as I type this.
Come to Mama! This dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner. It’s fast, flavorful, and feels like a fancy restaurant meal.
We’re talking plump shrimp swimming in a garlicky, herby sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, much like our creamy crockpot potato soup.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
I first had a version of this at a tiny trattoria in Rome. The memory of that flavor has haunted me in the best way possible.
I’ve been perfecting my own spin ever since. Adding that vibrant pesto was a game-changer I’m still proud of.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
I get so excited gathering these ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in creating magic.
Fresh is always best, especially for the herbs and seafood. Trust me on this.
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Okay, team! Let’s line everything up. This makes the cooking process so smooth and enjoyable.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1/2 cup homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
PREPARATION
Here we go! This is where the fun begins. Follow these steps and you’ll have a masterpiece in no time. If you’re looking for another delicious way to use your crockpot, try our creamy pesto chicken pasta for another basil-infused comfort meal.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, pat your shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. This helps them get a beautiful sear.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the pesto until the sauce is smooth and combined. This is where the magic really happens.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in that glorious sauce.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and basil right at the end. The fresh herbs will make the flavors absolutely pop.
- Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and an extra lemon wedge on the side.
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative! I love playing with these variations.
Pesto Garlic Shrimp Scampi – Herby Italian Flavor Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Pesto Garlic Shrimp Scampi – Herby Italian Flavor Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist. They complement the pesto beautifully.
Swap the shrimp for scallops or chicken. Both work wonderfully with this sauce.
Stir in a splash of heavy cream for an extra rich and creamy texture. It’s pure indulgence.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
This dish is best fresh, but I get it – sometimes you have leftovers! Here’s how to handle them.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce, so add a splash of water when reheating.
I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate. It’s so quick to make fresh anyway!
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of olive oil or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch too.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 485
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
If you’re looking for a smaller dessert option to pair with this meal, don’t miss our small batch banana muffins that deliver perfect flavor from just one banana.
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
I get questions about this dish all the time! Here are the most common ones.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but I strongly recommend cooking it fresh. The texture and flavors are at their peak right after cooking.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No problem! You can substitute with chicken broth or even just extra lemon juice. The wine adds depth, but it’s still delicious without.
How spicy is this with the red pepper flakes?
It’s just a gentle warmth! The pepper flakes add complexity without overwhelming heat. Feel free to adjust or omit based on your preference.
There you have it, my food-loving friends! This pesto garlic shrimp scampi has become my ultimate comfort food.
It’s the dish I make when I want to impress guests or just treat myself after a long day. Every bite takes me right back to that little Italian restaurant.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
