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Quick Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes

This speedy recipe combines perfectly cooked shrimp with al dente spaghetti tossed in a vibrant store-bought pesto sauce, brightened with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil for a delicious weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Pan
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 pound fresh or frozen shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on or off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Spaghetti:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or preferred pasta type
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

For the Pesto Sauce (Store-bought option):

  • ½ cup good quality store-bought pesto

For Garnish & Serving:

  • ½ cup fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 lemon wedges

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add spaghetti and cook until al dente as per package directions. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.

Cook the Shrimp

  • While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.

Combine Everything

  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the garlic (do not clean the pan) and stir in the pesto. Slowly add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and becomes creamy, adding more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed.

Add Shrimp and Garnish

  • Add the cooked shrimp and halved cherry tomatoes to the spaghetti, then toss gently to combine.

Serve

  • Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a lemon wedge.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference. Don't discard all the pasta water; it's essential for creating a creamy sauce. For best results, use good quality store-bought pesto or homemade if preferred.