Easy Healthy Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta – Ready in 25 Minutes

Need a dinner recipe you can whip up in less than 30 minutes? How about one that uses just 1 pot and is so tasty, the whole family will love it? This Healthy Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta checks all the boxes! Creamy goat cheese, flavorful pesto, juicy shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach come together for a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

If you like this one-pot wonder, you’ll love my one-dish Artichoke Chicken recipe.

There are only 7 ingredients in this one pot wonder.

Shrimp

Not all shrimp are created equal! Here’s what to look for when making this creamy pesto shrimp pasta.

Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised

My preference is wild-caught Gulf shrimp for its flavor and quality. Some overseas shrimp farms have been linked to antibiotic use and exploitative labor practices. Learn more about the concerns surrounding shrimp farming in this article.

What Size Shrimp Should You Buy?

Save the jumbo shrimp for another recipe! Small or medium shrimp are perfect for this pasta and will save you a little money.

Shrimp are sold by count per pound:

• Medium (41–50): 41–50 shrimp per pound
• Small (51–60): 51–60 shrimp per pound

For an easier weeknight dinner, buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. They cost a little more, but the time you save is worth it!

If you like this shrimp pasta recipe, try my Lemony Shrimp & Artichoke Pasta.

Pesto

This is the flavor enhancer! Pesto is soooo good, and easy to make. (It’s also easy to buy!) Here are the ingredients in standard pesto:

• Fresh Basil
• Olive Oil
• Nuts (typically pine nuts)
• Garlic
• Parmesan Cheese

Whiz up these ingredients in a food processor, or buy a jar at your local market.

Leftover Pesto

There are so many ways to use up leftover pesto. My favorite is making a salad dressing. If you like pesto, you will love this recipe for Spinach Salad with Easy Pesto Dressing. Here are a few more ideas:

• Put on top of Hard Boiled Eggs
• Mix it with Greek Yogurt for a tasty veggie dip
• Warm Pesto Artichoke Dip
• On top of Sliced Tomatoes
• Put it on top of Chicken and bake
• Mixed in with Rice or Quinoa

Pesto can also me frozen. Put leftover pesto in small freezable containers for up to 6 months.

Goat Cheese

Usually creamy and healthy aren’t used in the same sentence. Goat cheese is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Winning! For more health benefits of goat cheese, read this WedMD article.

Goat cheese is tangy, light, and melts beautifully in this pasta. If you aren’t a fan, sub cream cheese.

If you love goat cheese like me, you’ll love these Goat Cheese & Basil Crackers.

Pasta

To keep this Healthy Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta true to its name, choose a pasta made with quality ingredients. I prefer organic pasta made in Italy. Many conventional wheat products in the U.S. can contain glyphosate residues, which is one reason I pay close attention to where my pasta comes from. Personally, I’ve noticed less inflammation when eating Italian pasta compared to many U.S. brands.

If you’re gluten-free, chickpea pasta is one option, along with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Jovial is a popular choice, but there are plenty of other options available.

Pasta Shapes

Change up your pasta shapes. My kids always get excited when they see a new shape on our table. The possibilities are endless:

• Bow Tie
• Spiral
• Corkscrew
• Animal Shaped
• Tubes

Of course, regular ol’ spaghetti will work too.

If you like a warm and cozy pasta dish, you’ll love this Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta.

Important Pasta Cooking Note

Once your pasta is done cooking, don’t dump the pasta water! This is filled with starchy components that help bring the sauce together. Dip out a big mug of the pasta water and hold back. I’ve also seen people freeze their pasta water for future sauces.

Veggies

Tomatoes

Pesto, pasta, and tomatoes are like the 3 amigos. Such a flavorful team!

Tomatoes are free radical fighters! They contain lycopene which helps with UV damage from the sun and with heart health.

Use whole cherry or grape tomatoes in this dish. There’s no dicing or halving. By keeping them whole you will: 1.) Save time, and 2.) if you have leftovers the tomatoes won’t get weird with tough skins.

Spinach

By putting the spinach in while the pasta is still hot, it wilts. This makes it softer, easier to eat, and you are able to get more in! Popeye was on to something! There are so many good reasons to eat more spinach like lowering your blood pressure and aiding in digestion.

Nuts (or Seeds)

You gotta have a little bit of crunch! There are so many crunchy options. Choose your favorite! Here are some tasty nuts and seeds that go great in this dish:

• Pine Nuts
• Sunflower Seeds
• Pecans
• Almonds
• Pistachios
• Pumpkin Seeds

If you like this quick and easy recipe, you’ll love my Almond Crusted Cod.

How Easy is Pesto Shrimp Pasta?

So easy! One Pot meals are the best. Less dishes = Happiness.

1. Boil the pasta water, add a handful of salt and the pasta.
2. With 2 minutes left on the pasta, add the shrimp. Cook until done.
3. Drain water, saving a mug of the water for later.
4. Put the pasta and shrimp back in the pot, add pesto and spinach.
5. Stir until combined, add goat cheese, tomatoes, and nuts.
6. Stir and enjoy!

Leftovers

Oh, heck yes to these leftovers! Pesto Shrimp Pasta is good reheated or cold. In fact, this recipe can be made a day before, for a cold pasta salad. It keeps for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

If you like this shrimp recipe, you will love this Shrimp appetizer with Zippy Dip.

Want to try this recipe? Don’t want to miss out on more Freckle Face Foodie recipes? Let me send you my FREE RECIPES DROPS a few times a month!