Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta

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This Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta is where East meets West in the most delicious way. With sweet Thai basil pesto clinging to strands of al dente spaghetti and juicy, garlicky shrimp tossed in, this dish is fragrant, fresh, and has just enough kick to keep things exciting. It’s the kind of pasta you make when you’re craving something bold but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The basil pesto brings in a nutty richness while fresh lime juice brightens up every bite. What really ties it together is the shrimp, seared until golden and tender, making the dish feel indulgent but still light. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick dinner or serving guests, it’s guaranteed to leave everyone scraping their plates.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta

This isn’t your average shrimp pasta. The combination of Thai basil and pesto delivers a unique twist that’s equal parts comforting and exciting. It’s fast enough for a weeknight meal but flavorful enough to serve at your next gathering. Plus, it all comes together in under 30 minutes without any need for a culinary degree.

The layered flavors—earthy nuts, zingy citrus, aromatic garlic, and savory shrimp—make it irresistible. It’s also easily customizable, whether you want to swap the pasta type, dial up the heat, or go lighter on the oil.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best?

Spaghetti is a solid choice because it holds the pesto well and gives a nice slurpable texture. But you can also go for linguine, fettuccine, or even rice noodles if you want to lean more into the Thai-inspired vibe. Avoid penne or rigatoni for this one, as they won’t catch the sauce in quite the same way.

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Ingredients for the Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta

What makes this dish truly pop is the vibrant pesto and fresh shrimp. Here’s what you need to gather before cooking:

Spaghetti
This is the foundation. It provides the perfect texture and neutral base for the bold flavors of the pesto.

Shrimp
Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined. They cook fast and add that juicy, briny contrast to the herby sauce.

Thai Basil Leaves
More peppery and aromatic than Italian basil, Thai basil gives the pesto a distinctively fresh flavor.

Garlic
Essential for both the pesto and sautéing the shrimp. It layers in deep savory notes.

Lime Juice
Freshly squeezed lime adds brightness and acidity that balances out the rich pesto.

Cashews or Peanuts
These add creaminess and nutty body to the pesto. Cashews are smoother, but peanuts work if you prefer a stronger nut flavor.

Parmesan Cheese
This helps the pesto become creamy and clingy. Optional, but definitely worth adding.

Olive Oil
The base that binds the pesto together. Use a light-tasting oil to keep the herbs front and center.

Red Chili Flakes (optional)
To bring some Thai-style heat. Add as little or as much as you like.

Salt and Pepper
Balance is everything. Season generously to round out the dish.

How To Make the Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until al dente. Reserve a half-cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Thai Basil Pesto

In a food processor, combine Thai basil leaves, garlic, cashews or peanuts, Parmesan, and lime juice. Blend while slowly pouring in olive oil until it becomes a smooth paste. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or more lime as needed.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes. Cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add the drained pasta and pesto. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir until everything is combined and warm.

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Serving and Storing Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta

This dish serves 4 hearty portions and is best served immediately while everything is hot and fresh. Garnish with extra basil leaves, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for that final touch.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving, which can overcook the shrimp.

What to Serve With Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta?

Garlic Chili Edamame

These spicy, salty pods are a snappy starter that pair beautifully with the Thai flavors.

Crisp Cucumber Salad

Cool, crunchy cucumbers in a tangy vinegar dressing help refresh your palate.

Thai Iced Tea

A creamy, sweet Thai iced tea makes a rich, delicious drink pairing.

Mango Avocado Salsa

Serve it on the side or scoop it right on top of the pasta for fruity, creamy contrast.

Roasted Broccolini

Lightly charred broccolini adds a bitter edge that works well with the nutty pesto.

Coconut Milk Soup

A light Tom Kha-style soup adds a silky start to your meal.

Fried Wontons

Crispy wontons filled with veggies or shrimp are perfect for dipping and crunching alongside.

Thai-Inspired Slaw

A slaw with lime, fish sauce, and chili hits all the right acidic, salty, and spicy notes.

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Want More Pasta with a Twist?

If this Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta lit up your taste buds, you might love these other flavorful creations:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna with layers of pasta and buttery seafood goodness.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you want more creamy richness.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta that brings a spicy Southern flair.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for bold, herby heat.
• Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe packed with peppers and zesty flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try peanuts or cashews? Do you like it spicy or keep it mild?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta is a vibrant, fusion-style dish that brings together the heartiness of pasta and the bold aromatics of Thai cuisine. It’s a great weeknight dinner but feels gourmet enough to impress. With every forkful packed with herbaceous pesto and juicy shrimp, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

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