Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta

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A pasta dish that’s bold, fragrant, and bursting with vibrant color—Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta is where East meets West in the most delicious way. This isn’t your average shrimp pasta. It combines the creamy richness of traditional pesto with a Thai twist: fragrant basil, a hint of lime, a touch of chili, and perfectly seared shrimp that soaks up every bit of flavor.

It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something quick but crave something wildly flavorful. The sauce clings beautifully to fettuccine, and the shrimp brings in that briny-sweet contrast to the herbaceous pesto. Plus, it looks like it came out of a restaurant kitchen, but takes less than 30 minutes from stove to table.

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What Kind of Pesto Should I Use?

While classic Italian pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan, this Thai-inspired version leans into Southeast Asian flavors. Use Thai basil if you can find it—it has a slight licorice kick that sets it apart. Add in garlic, cashews (or peanuts for extra Thai flair), a bit of fish sauce or soy sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes for that subtle heat. You can make your own or find a Thai basil pesto in some specialty stores.

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Ingredients for the Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen large shrimp, peeled and deveined. They cook fast and soak up the pesto perfectly.

Fettuccine or Linguine: A flat pasta holds onto the sauce better. You can also try rice noodles if you want to go all-in on the Thai inspiration.

Thai Basil (or regular basil): The hero herb—fresh and aromatic. Thai basil brings a peppery, almost anise flavor.

Garlic: Adds sharpness and depth to the pesto.

Cashews or Peanuts: They give the pesto its creamy texture and nutty body.

Lime Juice: Brings in brightness and balances the richness.

Fish Sauce or Soy Sauce: Just a touch enhances the umami.

Olive Oil or Sesame Oil: Blends the pesto together and adds smoothness.

Chili Flakes or Thai Chili: Optional but recommended for a little heat.

Salt and Pepper: Season to taste while blending and finishing the pasta.

Optional Garnish: Fresh basil leaves and a few slices of red chili or bell pepper for color and crunch.

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How To Make the Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto Sauce

In a food processor or blender, combine Thai basil leaves, garlic, cashews or peanuts, lime juice, fish sauce or soy sauce, and chili flakes. Drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive or sesame oil. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sear for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pesto

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Add Shrimp and Garnish

Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently fold them in. Garnish with fresh basil and sliced red chili or bell pepper before serving.

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Serving and Storing Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta

This pasta is best served hot, right after it’s tossed together. It makes a beautiful dish to serve at dinner parties or date nights at home. If you’re planning to make it ahead, store the pasta and shrimp separately in airtight containers. The pesto can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for a month.

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and warm it gently over low heat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?

Yes! Regular basil works just fine if Thai basil isn’t available. You’ll miss a bit of that anise flavor, but the dish will still be delicious.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

Soy sauce or tamari are good substitutes. You can also use coconut aminos for a soy-free option.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only mildly spicy if you add chili flakes. You can adjust the heat level to your preference or leave it out entirely.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Try chicken, tofu, or even scallops.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

How do I prevent the pesto from turning brown?

Add a little extra lime juice or store it in an airtight container with a layer of olive oil on top.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re hooked on fusion pasta dishes like this Thai Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta, here are more creations worth trying:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Thai basil or regular? Did you play around with the spice level?

I love hearing how others put their own spin on these recipes. Got questions? Drop them below so we can all level up our weeknight meals together!

And if you want more fusion and global-inspired dishes, check out my daily recipe updates on Pinterest at Life with Nina.

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