5-Ingredient Pesto Shrimp Is Ready in Just 3 Steps

It’s ready in 10 minutes. Seriously.

By
Coco Morante
Coco Morante
Coco Morante
Coco began developing recipes for Simply Recipes in 2016 and is the author of five cookbooks. She is an industry expert on Instant Pot cooking.
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Published July 31, 2023
Coco Morante
5-Ingredient Pesto Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes in a Bowl, and in the Background, a Tray of Garlic Bread and Cherry Tomatoes

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

On the weeknights when I do not have the bandwidth for much cooking at all, I turn to recipes like this one. It takes less than 10 minutes to make (!!) and requires just a handful of ingredients. 

Shrimp and pesto is such a good combination, and cherry tomatoes add pops of summer flavor and vibrant color. They’re actually the only ingredient requiring chopping in this recipe—everything else just goes straight into the skillet. A few fresh basil leaves on top are a great addition if you have some around, too. 

Store-Bought Pesto = Easy Weeknight Cooking With Flair

There are so many store-bought options for pesto, you’re bound to have a favorite. Mine is the Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil variety from Trader Joe’s, found in the refrigerated section near all of the other sauces and dips. They also have a shelf-stable pesto, but it’s got far less fresh herbal flavor. As a general rule I find that refrigerated pestos are the best ones to buy from any store.

Lots of other store-bought sauces will work well in place of pesto, too. If you’re a fan of olives, substitute tapenade. For a tangy herby option with a little spice, use chimichurri. For a tomato-y twist, go with sun-dried tomato pesto or romesco sauce. Even a little jarred marinara and an extra splash of olive oil will give you a tasty result. 

5-Ingredient Pesto Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes in a Bowl Next to Cherry Tomatoes on a Vine

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

A Simple Method With Great Results

I told you this was an easy recipe, and I was not kidding! It comes together in three steps.

  1. Season your shrimp
  2. Sauté them in olive oil.
  3. Turn off the heat and add the pesto, tomatoes, and optional fresh basil. In less than 10 minutes, you’re done. 

Garlic Bread Makes the Meal

I like to toast up some very simple garlic bread while the shrimp are cooking, in order to make this a full meal. I simply slice a baguette, lay out all of the slices on my toaster oven baking sheet, and let them go until they have a little golden brown color. Once they’re toasted, I rub each slice with a raw garlic clove, then drizzle on some olive oil. You can add a little flaky salt or parmesan cheese if you like.

And that’s it! Dinner is ready. Time to enjoy a glass of white wine alongside this meal and feel the summery vibes. 

5-Ingredient Pesto Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes in a Bowl, a Tray of Garlic Bread, and Cherry Tomatoes

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

5-Ingredient or Less Meals

Pesto Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 3 mins
Total Time 8 mins
Servings 3 to 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound 21-30 count (also called “jumbo”) shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1/4 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)

  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

  • Basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

  • French bread or garlic bread, for serving

Method

  1. Cook the shrimp:

    Season the shrimp all over with the garlic salt. 

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 

    Add the shrimp. Let them sear on one side for about 1 minute, then flip them over and let sear on the other side for about 1 more minute, or until they’re pink and opaque all the way through, with a firm but tender texture. Turn off the heat.

    Bowl of Deshelled and Deveined Shrimp for Pesto Shrimp Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
    Stainless Steel Pan With Olive Oil on a Gas Stove for 5-Ingredient Pesto Shrimp Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
    Shrimp in the Stainless Steel Pan on the Stove for 5-Ingredient Shrimp Pesto With Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. Shrimp Facing Pan Is Pink.

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
    Cooked Shrimp in the Stainless Steel Pan on the Gas Stove for Pesto Shrimp With Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
  2. Finish the dish:

    Add the pesto and toss to combine. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with cherry tomatoes and basil, and serve right away, with French bread or garlic bread on the side. 

    Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I actually enjoy the leftover shrimp cold from the fridge!

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!

    Fourth Cup of Pesto in the Foreground, and in the Background, a Cooked Shrimp in the Stainless Steel Pan

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
    Pesto Shrimp in the Stainless Steel Pan With a Metal Spatula

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
    Tray of Toasted Garlic Bread

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
    5-Ingredient Pesto Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes in a Bowl, and in the Background, a Tray of Garlic Bread and Cherry Tomatoes

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
299 Calories
17g Fat
9g Carbs
28g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories 299
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g 21%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 243mg 81%
Sodium 1351mg 59%
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 28g
Vitamin C 3mg 15%
Calcium 150mg 12%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 309mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.