15-Minute Pesto Shrimp

4.8

(13)

8 Reviews

This versatile and quick pesto shrimp can be served alongside a hunk of crusty bread, over pasta or rice, or even used as a topping for pizza. Look for shrimp that are free from preservatives, which can alter the texture and add sodium to the dish. We like the brightness and fresh flavor of refrigerated pesto, but a homemade classic basil pesto will make the dish extra special.

Ali Ramee

Updated on June 13, 2024

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

The 15-minute pesto shrimp recipe on a white plate — Photo:
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Active Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

15 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Sesame-Free Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 ½ pounds large peeled, deveined raw shrimp
1 teaspoon no-salt-added Italian seasoning
1 pint grape tomatoes
2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
½ cup refrigerated basil pesto

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and Italian seasoning; cook, stirring often, until the shrimp are just cooked through and turn opaque, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the shrimp to a plate. Wipe the pan clean.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan; heat over medium heat. Add tomatoes; cook, stirring occasionally and pressing the tomatoes down lightly with tongs or a wooden spoon, until the tomatoes begin to break down and juices are released, about 5 minutes. Add basil and return the shrimp to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the basil is wilted and the shrimp are warm, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in pesto.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shrimp good for you?

While shrimp is high in cholesterol, research suggests it's not necessarily the cholesterol in the foods we eat that increases the amount of cholesterol in our bodies. It's the trans fats and saturated fats that do. Shrimp is a great source of protein and is rich in vitamin B12, choline, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and iodine. It has almost no saturated fat—and the fats it does have are heart-healthy omega-3s. Shrimp also contains the antioxidant astaxanthin.
Is pesto healthy?

Yes! Pesto is a delicious combination of healthy ingredients. While you will find different varieties of pesto, it is traditionally made with olive oil, basil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. With that said, it's always wise to read the label on prepared items, like Italian seasoning and pesto, to make sure they haven't snuck any gluten-containing ingredients into them.
Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator a day before making the recipe. To thaw quickly, place frozen shrimp in a large bowl with ice water for 20 minutes. Once the shrimp is thawed, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
I don’t have no-salt-added Italian seasoning, what can I use instead?

You can make your own Italian seasoning blend with dried herbs from your pantry, such as oregano, basil, thyme, sage and rosemary.
How do you serve 15-Minute Pesto Shrimp?

Serve over pasta, brown rice, cauliflower rice or quinoa. Make pesto shrimp grain bowls for healthy lunches or dinners. It's delicious as a topping for pizza, using store-bought or homemade pizza dough. For a quick and easy meal, serve with crusty bread and a side salad.
What is pesto made of?

Pesto is a vibrant green sauce traditionally made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and olive oil.
Is pesto a hot or cold sauce?

Pesto is a no-cook sauce that can be served cold, room temperature or warm. To retain its fresh flavor in cooked dishes, it's best to add pesto after the dish is removed from heat.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers and Jan Valdez

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, June 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

330	Calories
22g	Fat
8g	Carbs
27g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 330
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 8g	3%
Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 27g	54%
Total Fat 22g	28%
Saturated Fat 4g	20%
Cholesterol 222mg	74%
Vitamin A 1366IU	27%
Vitamin C 11mg	12%
Vitamin D 5IU	1%
Vitamin E 3mg	22%
Folate 47mcg	12%
Vitamin K 29mcg	24%
Sodium 446mg	19%
Calcium 207mg	16%
Iron 1mg	6%
Magnesium 49mg	12%
Potassium 392mg	8%
Zinc 2mg	18%
Vitamin B12 2mcg	83%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

15-Minute Pesto Shrimp

Ingredients

Directions

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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