Description
This Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta is a fusion of Thai and Italian flavors, blending vibrant Thai basil pesto with garlicky shrimp and spaghetti. It’s the perfect quick dinner idea packed with fresh herbs, zesty lime, and protein-rich shrimp. A flavorful, easy shrimp pasta recipe ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups Thai basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1 ½ tbsp lime juice
¼ cup cashews or peanuts
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
⅓ cup olive oil
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine Thai basil, garlic, cashews or peanuts, lime juice, and Parmesan. Blend while streaming in olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Cook 2 minutes per side until just pink.
4. Reduce heat. Add cooked spaghetti and pesto to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, using pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Add shrimp back in and stir to combine.
5. Serve hot with extra basil, lime wedge, or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
This dish is best served immediately while hot.
You can use rice noodles for a gluten-free version.
Cashews give a creamier texture, peanuts add more boldness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 160mg