Pesto Shrimp with Mushrooms

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pesto Shrimp with Mushrooms is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that combines tender shrimp, savory mushrooms, and aromatic basil pesto. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes and is bursting with rich, herby flavors from the pesto, complemented by the earthy taste of mushrooms. The creamy pesto sauce, with a hint of chicken broth, perfectly coats the shrimp, making each bite a delicious experience. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and low in calories, offering a balance of protein and fresh vegetables!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup basil pesto

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 minutes, turning once midway, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

2. Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Season with salt to taste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the mushrooms release liquid and soften.

3. Combine: Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the pesto and chicken broth. Stir to combine over medium heat and cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well mixed.

4. Serve: Remove from heat and top with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.

• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish or add a few dashes of hot sauce.

• Veggie Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

2. Can I make the pesto from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto will elevate the dish even further. Simply blend fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts or walnuts to make your own.

3. Can I substitute the chicken broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version of the dish or even water if you prefer.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you like—spinach, bell peppers, or even asparagus would pair nicely with the shrimp and pesto.

5. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked through?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when fully cooked. If you’re unsure, you can check by cutting one in half—the inside should be white and firm.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the pesto and have the shrimp and mushrooms ready to cook. Simply combine and heat when you’re ready to serve.

7. How can I make this dish creamier?

To make the dish creamier, you can stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese with the pesto and chicken broth.

8. Can I make this dish without mushrooms?

Yes, you can omit the mushrooms or replace them with another vegetable like zucchini or bell peppers.

9. Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, as the shrimp may lose its texture when frozen. However, you can freeze the pesto sauce and shrimp separately for future use.

10. What can I serve with this dish?

Pesto Shrimp with Mushrooms pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side salad. It’s also great with crusty bread to soak up the delicious pesto sauce.

Conclusion

Pesto Shrimp with Mushrooms is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something both tasty and healthy. The combination of shrimp, mushrooms, and pesto creates a satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor yet light in calories. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation!

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