This easy pesto pasta with shrimp and broccolini is made in just 20 minutes with one pot and 6 ingredients. It's perfect for weeknight dinners! (vegetarian and gluten-free options)
For a quick and easy dinner that's also family-friendly, pasta is always a sure bet! While some pasta recipes aren't super nutritious, it is absolutely possible to make a healthy, delicious pasta dinner in under 30 minutes. Just like this delicious pesto pasta with shrimp and broccolini!
Why You'll Love This Shrimp and Broccolini Pesto Pasta
- One Pot
- Six Ingredients
- 20 Minutes
- Delicious
- Nutritious
Need I say more?
What Makes This Pasta Recipe Healthier Than Others?
First, this dinner is made with whole grain spaghetti, which has more fiber than regular pasta, and retains more of wheat's naturally occurring nutrients. That means you'll stay full longer when eating whole grain pasta versus regular pasta. This recipe also has an olive oil-based pesto sauce for a dose of healthy fats, plus heart healthy and protein rich shrimp, and a serving of veggies - all in one dish!
How To Make Pesto Pasta With Shrimp and Broccolini
- Toast the almonds on a baking sheet at 400°F for 5-10 minutes.
- While almonds are toasting, bring the water to a boil for the spaghetti and cut the broccolini into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook 8-10 minutes. Add the shrimp and broccolini during the last 3 minutes of cooking and continue boiling until the shrimp is pink.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
- Return the pasta, shrimp and broccolini to the pot. Add the pesto and gently toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved cooking water at a time until you have a smooth, shiny sauce.
- Serve pasta with toasted almonds and freshly shaved parmesan.
Ingredient Substitutions
- For gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. I like Jovial or Banza.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the shrimp.
- If you can't find broccolini, you can use regular broccoli. Either fresh or frozen works!
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I don't recommend freezing this pasta.
For even more one dish dinners, head to my round up of Easy, Healthy One Dish Meals!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a star rating in the comments below!
PrintEasy Pesto Pasta with Shrimp and Broccolini
This easy pesto pasta with shrimp and broccolini is made in just 20 minutes with one pot and 6 ingredients. It's perfect for weeknight dinners! (vegetarian and gluten-free options)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 1 bunch broccolini (or 1 small head broccoli)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz whole grain spaghetti (half a standard box)
- ¾ cup pesto (try my carrot top pesto!)
- ½ cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F. Spread almonds into a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 5 minutes, watching carefully so that they don't burn. Remove from oven.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add ½ tsp salt.
- Meanwhile, cut broccolini into 1-inch pieces.
- Add pasta to boiling water and boil according to package directions, or 8-10 minutes.
- Add broccolini and shrimp to the water during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Continue boiling until shrimp is pink and cooked through.
- Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
- Place pasta, shrimp and broccolini back into the pot. Add the pesto and gently toss, adding pasta cooking water as needed to create a shiny sauce. Turn the heat on low, if needed.
- Plate pasta and top with toasted almonds and freshly grated parmesan.
Notes
- If you can't find broccolini, you can use regular broccoli (fresh or frozen).
- For vegetarian, omit the shrimp.
- For gluten-free, use you favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: easy pesto pasta with shrimp and broccoli, one pot shrimp and broccoli pesto pasta
Dinner time was always important in our family growing up too and I make it important with my own family today. It's such a great time to catch up with each other. This pasta dish looks amazing, I can't believe it only takes 15 minutes.
This looks delicious, Kaleigh! I can't believe how easy it is!