Shrimp Pasta with Dill Pesto – Easy Spring Favorite

Shrimp Pasta with Dill Pesto and Garlic Roasted Tomatoes is a flavor-packed, vibrant spring dish that combines lemony herb pesto, caramelized tomatoes, and juicy garlic shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a fresh, unique pasta experience with a touch of gourmet flair. From the sweet burst of roasted tomatoes to the herby richness of dill pesto, every element sings of warm weather and satisfying simplicity. It’s also flexible — make it vegetarian or swap in your favorite proteins. Here’s how to bring this mouthwatering meal to life.

A Fresh and Flavorful Springtime Pasta

This shrimp pasta is everything you want in a spring recipe — light yet filling, fresh but comforting. The dill pesto adds an unexpected twist with its bright, herbaceous notes, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of garlic roasted tomatoes and the savory depth of lemon garlic shrimp. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal, ready in under an hour. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for different diets, making it a go-to option for diverse households.

What You’ll Need for This Irresistible Pasta

• Fresh Dill: The star of the pesto, it brings a fresh, tangy herbaceousness that stands out.
• Flat-Leaf Parsley: Adds a mild peppery flavor and balances the dill in the pesto.
• Garlic: Roasted with tomatoes for sweetness, sautéed with broccoli for aroma, and minced into shrimp for savory depth.
• Lemon Zest & Juice: Brightens the entire dish, from pesto to shrimp marinade.
• Roasted Salted Pistachios: Give the pesto a nutty richness and creamy body.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and a salty bite to the pesto and the final dish.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A base for the pesto and for cooking — adds flavor and healthy fats.
• Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Roasted until caramelized, they burst with sweet, garlicky flavor.
• Large Shrimp: Tender and juicy, infused with lemon and garlic, they make the dish a complete protein-rich meal.
• Broccoli Florets: Sautéed to golden perfection, adding crunch and nutrition.
• Pasta of Choice: Pappardelle, fettuccine, or mafaldine work beautifully, but any shape will do.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning each element to perfection.
• Lemon Wedges (optional): Serve for an extra citrusy pop.
• Extra Parmesan & Fresh Dill (optional): For garnish and amplified flavor.

Ingredient Swaps and Customizations

If you’re looking to adapt this shrimp pasta with dill pesto and garlic roasted tomatoes, here are some tasty and convenient options:

• Protein Alternatives: Swap shrimp with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even white beans for a vegetarian twist.
• Nut-Free Pesto: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of pistachios for a nut-free version.
• Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan in the pesto.
• Low-Carb: Try serving the dill pesto and roasted tomatoes over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Pasta Shape Swap: Penne, rotini, or linguine all work well if you don’t have long ribbon pasta.

How to Make Shrimp Pasta with Dill Pesto and Garlic Roasted Tomatoes

1. Roast the Tomatoes
   Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss grape or cherry tomatoes with smashed garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15–20 minutes until the tomatoes burst and caramelize slightly. Discard the garlic or save for another use.
2. Marinate the Shrimp
   While tomatoes roast, combine shrimp with lemon zest, chopped garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let them sit and marinate while you prep other ingredients.
3. Prepare the Dill Pesto
   In a food processor, blend dill, parsley, garlic, lemon zest and juice, pistachios, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until finely chopped. While processing, stream in olive oil until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
4. Cook the Pasta
   Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
5. Sauté the Broccoli
   In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and add thinly sliced garlic. Sauté briefly, then add broccoli florets. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until broccoli is tender and garlic turns golden and crispy. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook the Shrimp
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
7. Assemble the Pasta
   Toss hot pasta with dill pesto, roasted tomatoes, broccoli, and shrimp. Add extra fresh dill, Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t Burn the Garlic: When sautéing with broccoli, watch the heat to keep garlic golden and crispy, not bitter.
• Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: This is the only chance to flavor the pasta itself.
• Double the Pesto: It freezes beautifully and is fantastic on eggs, toast, or grilled veggies.
• Cook Shrimp Just Until Pink: Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery — pull them off the heat as soon as they’re opaque.
• Layer Flavors at Every Step: Season each component — shrimp, broccoli, pasta — as you go for the most balanced taste.

Delicious Ways to Serve and Switch It Up

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or broccoli sauté.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up any extra pesto or roasted tomato juices.
• Pair with a Side Salad: A citrusy arugula salad complements the herby flavors beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or legume-based noodles to keep it allergen-friendly.
• Chill for Pasta Salad: Enjoy leftovers cold for a refreshing lunch the next day.

Why Dill Pesto Deserves the Spotlight

What makes Shrimp Pasta with Dill Pesto and Garlic Roasted Tomatoes especially perfect for spring is its use of fresh, seasonal herbs and bright, lemony accents. Dill is underused in warm dishes, but this recipe proves it’s a game-changer. Paired with quick-cooking shrimp and naturally sweet tomatoes, it’s a celebration of everything light and vibrant. It’s also a great dish to showcase spring’s first herbs and veggies, making it a beautiful centerpiece for gatherings or weeknight meals alike.

Conclusion

Shrimp Pasta with Dill Pesto and Garlic Roasted Tomatoes is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and seasonal ingredients. With its unique twist on classic pesto and the perfect balance of savory shrimp, vibrant herbs, and roasted vegetables, this dish brings gourmet quality right to your home kitchen. Whether you’re hosting guests, meal prepping, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers satisfaction, nutrition, and bold flavor in every bite. Add it to your seasonal rotation, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More Relevant Recipes

• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: This recipe delivers bold, spicy flavors with tender shrimp coated in a creamy, Cajun-infused sauce. It’s a perfect alternative if you enjoy the seafood-pasta combo from the dill pesto version but want a little extra heat and creaminess.
• Salmon Coconut Curry: Offering a rich, aromatic twist, this salmon dish is ideal for those who love seafood with herbal, slightly sweet notes. It mirrors the herb-forward profile of dill pesto and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
• Honey Garlic Shrimp: Sweet and savory with a garlicky punch, this quick dinner recipe complements the flavor elements of the garlic-roasted tomatoes and lemony shrimp found in the original pasta dish.

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