Description
Turn your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-style experience with this Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta. Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection, tossed in a bold, zesty Thai basil pesto, and served over vibrant green tea or spinach fettuccine. This easy recipe blends the comforting vibes of Italian pasta with the fresh, spicy brightness of Thai flavors. Ideal for a quick dinner, healthy lunch, or whenever you need flavorful food ideas that come together fast. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a healthy seafood pasta, or dinner ideas that wow, this dish checks every box.
Ingredients
8 oz spinach or green tea fettuccine
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp chili flakes or 1 Thai red chili
1 tsp fish sauce
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. In a food processor, blend Thai basil, garlic, lime juice, chili, fish sauce, and olive oil until smooth. Stir in Parmesan if using.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and golden. Remove from heat.
4. Add pasta to the skillet with shrimp. Pour in pesto and toss over low heat until coated.
5. Garnish with extra basil and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot.
Notes
For more heat, add an extra chili or a pinch of Thai chili powder.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they’re best just pink and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: quick dinner, healthy pasta, shrimp pesto, Thai recipe, weeknight meal