If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and offers a delightful mix of textures, the Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe combines tender shrimp, al dente linguine, crisp-tender asparagus, and a luscious homemade pesto that ties everything together beautifully. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also impressively fresh and satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an enjoyable gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your top go-to meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black cooking pan filled with a single layer of cooked shrimp. The shrimp are light orange and white with visible seasoning of black pepper scattered evenly on top. Each shrimp has its tail on, curled into a loose

Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward creating a memorable Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus Recipe. Each ingredient is simple yet plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly stand out.

Fresh basil leaves: The foundation of your pesto, offering bright, aromatic herbal flavors.
Parsley leaves: Adds a refreshing green note to balance the basil and enrich the pesto’s complexity.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that complements the pesto and ties the dish together.
Pine nuts: Provide a subtle crunch and buttery richness, toasted or raw works beautifully.
Garlic clove: Adds a fragrant zing to the pesto that wakes up your taste buds.
Olive oil: The key to a smooth and luscious pesto texture and great for sautéing shrimp.
Linguine pasta: Perfect for soaking up the pesto sauce while providing a satisfying chew.
Asparagus: Fresh, tender stalks trimmed and steamed, offering a pleasant snap and a vibrant green color.
Large shrimp: The star protein of the dish, succulent and quick-cooking, tying the whole meal together.
Fresh lemon juice: A splash of brightness that lifts the shrimp and pesto to a new level of freshness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmonious balance.

How to Make Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto

Begin by combining fresh basil, parsley, parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse these ingredients until they’re finely chopped. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in olive oil, allowing the mixture to become silky and smooth. This homemade pesto is the heart of your dish, so take a moment to appreciate its vibrant green color and perfectly balanced flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your linguine in generously salted water until al dente, following package directions for timing. Before draining, save 1/3 cup of the pasta water—it’s pure gold for adjusting the consistency of your pesto sauce later on. The pasta should emerge tender yet firm enough to hold up beautifully when tossed with the pesto and shrimp.

Step 3: Steam the Asparagus

While the pasta cooks, prepare the asparagus by trimming off the tough ends and cutting the stalks into 2-inch pieces. Steam the asparagus just until tender but still crisp, which helps retain its brilliant green color and fresh flavor—a perfect contrast to the creamy pesto and tender shrimp.

Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque with a lovely pink exterior. Then, pour fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, tossing to coat and infuse a bright citrus note that enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness.

Step 5: Combine and Toss Everything Together

Into the same pan with the shrimp, add the drained pasta and steamed asparagus. Toss everything well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool for about one minute so the pesto doesn’t cook when added. Then, fold in the pesto, coating every strand of pasta and piece of shrimp evenly. If the sauce feels thick, loosen it with the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus Recipe

The dish shows a white pan filled with green pesto-coated thin pasta noodles mixed with bright pink cooked shrimp, and green asparagus pieces. The shrimp are placed all over the noodles, their colors contrasting with the green sauce. The asparagus is cut into small segments and spread evenly among the pasta. There are also a few fresh basil leaves resting on top as garnish. The pan is situated on a white marbled surface with a deep red cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and a few toasted pine nuts make for wonderful garnishes that add both flavor and visual appeal. A few fresh basil leaves scattered on top can also bring a burst of fresh aroma and a touch of elegance. For a subtle kick, consider a light drizzle of chili-infused olive oil or freshly cracked black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp, simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus notes in the shrimp. A crusty baguette or garlic bread is also a fantastic option, perfect for soaking up any leftover pesto sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted baby potatoes tossed in herbs make a satisfying accompaniment that rounds out the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta in wide shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant greens and pink shrimp, making it visually enticing. You can also twist portions of linguine onto large forks or spoons for a charming individual presentation. Adding edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color can elevate this rustic dish if you’re entertaining guests and want to impress with style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus Recipe will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors may even deepen after a day, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

While freezing pasta dishes with pesto can sometimes alter the texture, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and asparagus separately from the pasta and pesto sauce. Store shrimp and asparagus in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. It’s best to prepare pesto fresh for optimal flavor, but homemade pesto without cheese can freeze well in small portions.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the shrimp tough. For the best texture, reheat shrimp and asparagus briefly just until warmed through and toss with fresh pesto.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto provides the freshest and most vibrant flavor, a good quality store-bought pesto can save time and still yield a delicious Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus Recipe.

What can I substitute for pine nuts?

If pine nuts are unavailable or pricey, try toasted walnuts, almonds, or cashews. They provide a similarly rich, nutty character that complements the basil and cheese in pesto.

Is this dish gluten-free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping traditional linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The shrimp, pesto, and asparagus are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp can be a convenient and budget-friendly option.

What if I don’t have asparagus?

No worries! Spinach, green beans, or snap peas are wonderful alternatives that will give you a similar fresh and green element in the dish.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the combination of succulent shrimp, vibrant asparagus, and fragrant pesto tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. This Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus Recipe is quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, making it a versatile and trusty recipe to have in your culinary rotation. Give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did!