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This bowl of Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Pesto Pasta is THE best any night of the week winter pasta. Taking a classic pesto pasta recipe and updating it with a no-cream, creamy pesto sauce, spicy garlic shrimp, and fresh greens. Every twirl of pasta has delicious and comforting fresh flavors that melt in your mouth. This is such a cozy, creamy bowl of shrimp and pasta.
I was going to share another recipe today, but I’m so excited about this pasta that I just had to share it. Sometimes recipes take a long time to think up. Sometimes they take a long time to fully develop, but this was quick and easy. I got the idea to make a spicy, cajun-style shrimp pasta. But instead of making it super creamy and heavy, I wanted to make it with some more wholesome ingredients.
I made a few simple and easy swaps. The I added in so much color, plus some crispy, spicy shrimp, and my favorite homemade pesto pasta.
This dish comes together in minutes and it really is so delicious.
The details on the pasta
I like to start with the pasta since the shrimp cooks up so quickly. I made my favorite basil pesto. The secret is to use a little jalapeño for an unexpected but delicious spicy kick. I know it sounds odd with all these Italian flavors, but if you love a Greek goddess style dressing, you’ll love this pesto. It’s very similar.
I like to toss in some arugula in addition to the basil. This adds vibrant color, flavor, and some much needed healthy greens!
When the pesto is made, boil up your favorite cut of pasta. I really like using a longer cut…fettuccini or bucatini are my usual go-to’s. But something short-cut, like bow ties, is great with the shrimp too. You really can’t go wrong.
Add the hot pasta right back to that pot you boiled it in, then add all the pesto, and a splash of creamy coconut milk. The coconut milk helps to create a luscious sauce without adding in any cream. You don’t taste even the slightest hint of coconut!
That spicy shrimp
I usually cook the shrimp while the pasta is boiling. It takes just a few minutes, so the timing is perfect.
The shrimp is pan seared in olive oil with cajun seasonings until both sides are browned. I love to make my own homemade cajun spice mix, but if you’re in a pinch, store-bought works too. Add a small pat of butter and a squeeze of lemon. They go a long way flavor-wise, especially with all the spices and garlic. Everything pairs so well together.
To serve, I usually plate the pasta, then spoon the shrimp and any sauce left in the skillet over the noodles. This gives a nice, pretty presentation! Or, you can do it like my dad and simply toss everything together. Keep it simple.
Either way, is so good. Both the shrimp and pasta have so much flavor on their own. But put them together and you create a wonderfully delicious pasta plate.
Looking for other fresh takes on pasta? Here are my favorites:
One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Whipped Ricotta
Healthier Italian Wedding Soup with Lemon and Garlic
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Pesto Pasta
Lastly, if you make this Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Pesto Pasta, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Pesto Pasta
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 399 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh basil
- 1 cup baby arugula
- 1 jalapeño, seeded, if desired
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, or nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 1/2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- juice from 1 lemon
- 1/4-1/3 cup canned full fat coconut milk (or milk of choice)
Instructions
- 1. To make the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil, arugula, jalapeño, 1 clove of garlic, the nuts, parmesan, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt. Pulse until a sauce forms, adding 1-2 tablespoons water if needed to thin.2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, remove 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain and add the pasta right back into the hot pot.3. Add the pesto and coconut milk, tossing to combine. Thin the pasta as desired with the reserved pasta cooking water. 4. Meanwhile, make the shrimp. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, shrimp, cajun seasonings, and a big pinch of pepper. Cook on both sides until seared, about 2-3 minutes per side. Stir in the garlic, cook until fragrant. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice. 5. Toss the shrimp with the pasta. Grab a fork and enjoy!
We all really enjoyed this one, another cracker from HBH!
Hey Jennie,
Wonderful!! Love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for making it! ☘️xx
So easy and delicious! We used store-bought pesto but will definitely make the homemade version next time. Literally the easiest meal to throw together and barely any clean up which we love. Used whole milk + a tiny bit of butter in place of coconut milk and it made the pasta creamy and delicious.
Hi Ally,
Happy Sunday!! Love to hear that you have enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it!! xx
Tieghan, a famous chef Massimo Bottura, when he makes his pesto uses water too, he suggests ICE water as it cools down the herbs and keeps them vibrant green. He puts a dash of mint and thyme in his and he also suggests to put the herbs in the water when you are cooking your pasta.
I love you use water in your pesto
Thanks for sharing!!
Delicious!!! Loved the flavor that the coconut milk added. This is a keeper! As many of your recipes are!
Hi Cindy,
Fantastic! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xx
Like many other commenters, I cheated and used pesto from a jar, which I mixed with finely chopped jalapeño. It was super easy and delicious, and we’ll definitely be adding this to the rotation!
Hi Ariane,
Happy Sunday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for trying it out!! xTieghan
I’m using store bought pesto. How much should I use? Thank you!!
Hi Jenny,
I would use 1 cup of pesto. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
Made this tonight. It was delicious!
Hey Cindy,
Happy Sunday!! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! xTieghan
WOW! Adding this to my rotation of weeknight dinners! Quick & easy. My husband and I are obsessed with the pesto pasta itself and tastes wonderful all together! I love the idea of coconut milk versus using heavy cream!!
Hey Katie,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for giving it a go! Have the best weekend! xxT
This was DELICIOUS! Definitely adding this to the rotation!
Hi Sarah,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
First recipe I’ve used and was so delicious. Can’t wait to try some more
Hey Lesley,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
I I don’t have time to make the pesto how much store bought pesto should be used? Thanks
Hi Sara,
I would use about 1 cup of pesto. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
This recipe was delicious! I took a short cut and used store bought pesto! The shrimp are yummy!
Hi Kathy,
Wonderful!! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed!! ?xTieghan
Fabulous. Loved by all.
Hey Megan,
Fantastic!! Love hearing that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it:) Have the best day! xxT
Made this tonight exactly the way the recipe was written. Delicious. The whole family loved. I love making home made traditional pesto and was a little skeptical of this pesto recipe, but the jalapeño gave it a nice kick. Will definitely make again.
Hey Carol,
Wonderful!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a winner. Have the best weekend:) xT
I’ll confess I took the easy way out and didn’t make my own pesto but it was absolutely delicious!! Instant classic
Hey Elinor,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a go! xxT