Seafood Pasta in Pesto Sauce

There is something about seafood pasta that feels special without needing to be complicated. It is the kind of meal that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but comes together surprisingly easily.

This seafood pasta in pesto sauce combines tender pasta with juicy shrimp and seafood tossed in a rich, herby pesto. The pesto coats every bite with basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, while the seafood keeps the dish light and fresh.

It is perfect for a quiet dinner at home, a weekend meal, or one of those evenings when you want dinner to feel a little more elevated.

What You'll Need

For 4 servings:

12 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or tagliatelle
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ pound scallops or your favorite seafood
¾ cup basil pesto
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup reserved pasta water
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for serving
Red pepper flakes, optional

How to Make It

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.

While the pasta cooks, pat the seafood dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and scallops and cook until the shrimp are pink and the seafood is cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Lower the heat and add the garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add the drained pasta and pesto to the skillet. Toss gently, adding a little reserved pasta water at a time until the pesto becomes silky and evenly coats the pasta.

Return the seafood to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Finish with Parmesan and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Serve warm with fresh basil or parsley, another sprinkle of Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

A Quiet Layers Note

This is one of those recipes that reminds me that a beautiful meal does not have to be elaborate. A few good ingredients, a little music playing in the kitchen, and something warm on the plate can turn an ordinary evening into something worth slowing down for.