Shrimp Pesto Mushroom Pasta is one of those meals that makes you question everything you thought you knew about flavor balance. It’s rich but not heavy, savory but still bright, creamy but also fresh. You’ve got seared shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, and a garlicky pesto cream sauce all tangled up with tender pasta. It’s a full-on power trio—and they’re playing a sold-out show in your mouth.
The mushrooms bring that deep, earthy flavor, the pesto’s packing herby, garlicky punch, and the shrimp? Well, the shrimp just show up and slay like always. Toss them all together and you get a meal that tastes like it came out of a fancy bistro, not your Tupperware drawer. And don’t even get me started on the macros—high protein, satisfying carbs, and just enough fat to keep things decadent without pushing you off track. This is the kind of pasta that actually works with your fitness goals, not against them.
Whether you’re meal prepping like a macro scientist or just trying to upgrade your sad desk lunches, this dish does not miss. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, it reheats like a champ, and it might just make you believe in pesto again if you ever doubted. Throw a lemon wedge in there for a little zesty finish and BOOM—you’ve got yourself a week of lunches you’ll actually look forward to. 🧄🍤🍄
Shrimp Pesto Mushroom Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
For the SHRIMP:
- 2 lbs Raw shrimp Boneless, tail-off
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasonings
- 1/2 tbsp Red pepper flakes omit for milder version
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
For the Other Stuff:
- 8 oz Rotini
- 16 oz White mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup Basil pesto
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Chicken broth
Instructions
- Begin cooking pasta according to package instructions8 oz Rotini
- Combine shrimp in a medium bowl with garlic powder, onion powder, italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, salt, & pepper.2 lbs Raw shrimp, 1 tbsp Garlic powder, 1 tbsp Onion powder, 1 tbsp Italian seasonings, 1/2 tbsp Red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Pepper
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until hot. Add shrimp & sauté on both sides until you've achieved a nice sear & the shrimp is cooked through. You may need to do this in two batches or two separate skillets. Remove shrimp to a separate plate.2 tbsp Olive oil
- Add your remaining tbsp of olive oil to the empty skillet. Add the mushrooms, lightly seasoning with salt. Cook on high heat, stirring every minute or so, until the mushrooms release liquid, soften, & shrink (~4 minutes).1 tbsp Olive oil, 1/4 tsp Salt, 16 oz White mushrooms
- Reduce heat to medium & add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, along with the basil pesto & 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Mix until well-combined, and then remove from heat.1 cup Basil pesto, 1/4 cup Chicken broth
- Drain the pasta, & then add to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until thoroughly combined. Enjoy!
Nutrition
🧭 How to Track, Explore, and Stay Connected
👉 Track This Recipe in MyFitnessPal
To log this recipe with flawless accuracy, just open MyFitnessPal and search: Meaningful Macros – Shrimp Pesto Mushroom Pasta. Every macro is already calculated, so you can skip the guesswork and stay dialed in.
🔎 Discover More High-Protein Recipes
If you loved this one, you’re going to have a field day in the full recipe vault. Click here to explore all my recipes and filter by protein, calories, or carbs to find your next macro-balanced favorite. Whether you’re trying to shred, bulk, or just maintain, there’s something perfect waiting for you.
📲 Stay Connected on Instagram
Follow me on Instagram @meaningful.macros for sneak peeks, tips, and macro-friendly meal prep ideas. I post new content weekly, with a mix of Reels, behind-the-scenes prep clips, and high-protein hacks to make your life easier (and tastier).
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pesto Mushroom Pasta
Looking for a macro-friendly pasta dish that still feels indulgent? This Shrimp Pesto Mushroom Pasta hits every note—juicy shrimp, earthy mushrooms, rich pesto, and rotini to soak it all up. Every bite balances clean protein with satisfying carbs and healthy fats for the kind of meal prep that doesn’t feel like a sacrifice.
The shrimp sear beautifully and stay tender, while the mushrooms add a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the herbal kick of basil pesto. It’s the kind of meal you look forward to all day—and it only takes 40 minutes to throw together.
If you’re tired of bland chicken and rice combos, this is your shrimp-based glow-up.
🧂 Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
This dish is wildly adaptable based on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Protein Options: Sub the shrimp with seared chicken breast, tofu, or even lean turkey sausage.
- Pasta Variations: Swap the rotini for whole wheat pasta, lentil-based noodles, or even zucchini noodles to cut carbs.
- Go Green: Add spinach or kale to the mushrooms for a micronutrient boost.
- Pesto Swap: Try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula-walnut pesto if basil isn’t your thing.
- Heat Factor: Dial up the spice with extra red pepper flakes or a spoon of Calabrian chili paste.
🔥 Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Want to master this meal like a pro?
- Sear in Batches: Don’t crowd the skillet when cooking shrimp—doing two quick rounds gets you that ideal golden sear.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: As soon as they turn pink and curl, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp = rubbery regrets.
- Deglaze That Pan: Use chicken broth or white wine to lift those browned bits from the pan after cooking shrimp. It builds deep flavor fast.
- Hot Toss: Always toss the pasta with sauce and shrimp while everything is still hot. This helps the sauce cling perfectly.
- Use a Good Pesto: The pesto is front and center here, so spring for a fresh or higher-quality jar for maximum flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps great in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—shrimp texture and pesto separation don’t reheat well.
- Reheating: Microwave in short bursts (60-90 seconds) with a splash of water or extra pesto to bring it back to life.
- Add-Ons: This pasta loves a side of garlic bread or a crisp arugula salad.
🌿 Optional Garnishes
Take it from tasty to restaurant-worthy with any of these finishing touches:
- Shaved parmesan or pecorino romano
- Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley
- Lemon zest or juice for brightness
- Cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes
❓FAQs
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a small kick from the red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to control. Omit them for a milder dish or double down if you love heat.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them in cold water and pat dry thoroughly before cooking to avoid a watery sear.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use a dairy-free pesto and skip any parmesan topping. The dish will still be rich and flavorful thanks to the olive oil and garlic.
What’s a good pasta alternative?
Try chickpea pasta, lentil pasta, or even spaghetti squash if you’re aiming for lower carbs or gluten-free.
Can this be served cold?
Surprisingly, yes! It works well as a chilled pasta salad—just add a splash of oil or lemon juice before serving.
🍤 More High-Protein Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love
- Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Linguine – Bold, tangy, and rich in protein.
- Garlic Tomato Shrimp Fettuccini – A creamy, protein-packed twist on your favorite comfort dish.
- Fajita Shrimp Bowls – Smoky, zesty, and perfect for easy macro-friendly lunches.
- Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp – Light, flavorful, and ideal for quick high-protein dinners.
- Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon – If you like sweet heat, this bold seafood dish hits the spot.
🧠 Master the Macro Mindset
Curious how I build every recipe to balance macros without sacrificing flavor? Check out my full high-protein meal prep philosophy. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies I’ve refined over five years of fitness-focused cooking—from planning to plating.