The perfect spring pasta dish is here! This vibrant bucatini with basil pesto, tender shrimp, and sweet peas is a celebration of seasonal freshness. The homemade pesto adds a burst of herbaceous flavor, balanced by the salty richness of Parmesan and the brightness of lemon. It’s a simple yet elegant dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or cooking just for yourself, this pasta brings joy to the table. With each bite, you get juicy shrimp, a velvety pesto coating the noodles, and little pops of sweetness from the peas. It’s a colorful, comforting, and nourishing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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12 oz bucatini pasta
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup frozen peas, thawed
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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pesto:
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2 cups fresh basil leaves
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1/3 cup pine nuts
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2 cloves garlic
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1/2 cup olive oil
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
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Juice of half a lemon
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Salt to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bucatini until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan, and salt. Pulse to combine, then slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Set aside.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
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Add the peas to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
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Toss the cooked bucatini with the pesto, shrimp, and peas. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Serve with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Celebration of Spring: Pesto and Shrimp Bucatini
There’s something undeniably magical about springtime cooking. The air feels lighter, the days grow longer, and the market stalls begin to brim with vivid greens, fresh herbs, and tender vegetables. Spring recipes are all about embracing what’s fresh, vibrant, and alive—and that’s exactly what this Springtime Pesto and Shrimp Bucatini delivers.
This pasta dish is elegant yet approachable, indulgent without being heavy. It weaves together the herbaceous depth of homemade basil pesto, the sweetness of plump shrimp, and the brightness of green peas into one beautifully unified, seasonally inspired plate. Every twirl of bucatini brings with it a pop of flavor and a nod to the simple joys of the season.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
Springtime cooking encourages us to simplify—to highlight ingredients in their purest, most flavorful forms. This recipe was inspired by the early days of spring, when fresh basil becomes fragrant again, frozen peas are easy to find (but still feel fresh), and the seafood counter starts featuring sweet shrimp more prominently.
Rather than smothering the pasta in cream or tomato sauce, the pesto acts as a silky green coating, gently wrapping each noodle in fresh, grassy flavor. Combined with the natural sweetness of shrimp and peas, this dish speaks to the elegance of restraint—nothing too rich or overpowering, just ingredients that complement each other in harmony.
Why Bucatini is the Pasta of Choice
You might wonder: why bucatini? This long, hollow pasta is slightly thicker than spaghetti and has a tiny hole running through the center. That shape makes it a perfect choice for capturing sauces like pesto, allowing flavor to seep inside and cling to the noodles.
Bucatini’s slightly chewy texture also holds up well against the tender shrimp and soft peas. Each forkful becomes a perfect balance of body, sauce, and bite. If you’ve never cooked with bucatini before, this dish is an ideal starting point—it’s forgiving, satisfying, and just unique enough to feel special.
Homemade Basil Pesto: The Green Gold
A good pesto can transform an entire dish, and in this recipe, it’s the beating heart. Made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan, this pesto is rich in flavor yet light in texture.
What makes it so versatile is its brightness and balance. The lemon juice adds a zip that cuts through the richness of the cheese and nuts, while the basil provides that fresh, peppery, herbal hit. Garlic offers savory depth, and the olive oil brings everything together into a velvety emulsion.
And while jarred pesto may seem convenient, the difference in flavor from homemade is undeniable. Fresh pesto has a fragrance and flavor that simply can’t be bottled—it’s alive, fresh, and bursting with oils and aromas that dissipate quickly in storage. Taking a few minutes to make your own is well worth it.
The Role of Shrimp in This Dish
Shrimp are a natural pairing for pesto pasta. They bring a touch of sweetness, a firm texture, and a subtle oceanic flavor that enhances the basil and cheese notes. Plus, they cook quickly, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner or an easy entertaining option.
In this recipe, the shrimp are cooked with a hint of garlic and olive oil until just pink and tender. It’s important not to overcook them—they only need a few minutes on each side to become succulent and juicy. Their mild flavor allows the pesto to shine while adding protein and a touch of luxury to the dish.
Peas: The Quiet Star of the Plate
Often overlooked, peas provide more than just a burst of color here. Their natural sweetness contrasts with the salty cheese and garlicky pesto, while their tender texture adds interest without overpowering the dish. They also add a bit of springtime charm—little green gems nestled among the pasta.
Frozen peas work beautifully in this dish and are easy to keep on hand. Just a quick rinse or blanch is enough to warm them up and bring out their flavor. If you happen to find fresh shelling peas, use them—they’ll make the dish even more special.
A Nutritionally Balanced Bowl
While comfort food is often associated with indulgence, this pasta strikes a perfect balance between flavor and nutrition. The shrimp provides lean protein, the peas bring fiber and essential nutrients, and the pesto adds healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts.
Unlike heavy cream-based pasta dishes, this one won’t leave you feeling sluggish. It’s energizing and light, while still providing that satisfying “comfort food” feel that pasta lovers crave. If you’re watching your carbs or calories, you can easily swap the pasta for a whole wheat or legume-based option to boost the nutritional profile further.
Customization Options for Every Diet
This dish is highly customizable and adapts well to dietary preferences or pantry limitations. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
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Vegan Option: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and omit the shrimp. Add grilled zucchini or roasted mushrooms for a meaty texture.
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Nut-Free Pesto: Swap pine nuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You’ll still get that creamy texture and nutty undertone without any allergens.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced Calabrian chilis to the shrimp while cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
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Citrus Boost: Grate some lemon zest over the finished dish to heighten the freshness and tie all the flavors together.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
This pasta is incredibly versatile in how and when it’s served. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for a springtime brunch, a light Easter dinner, or an al fresco meal on the patio. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, a glass of chilled white wine, or some crusty bread for the ultimate seasonal experience.
Because it’s both quick and elegant, it’s also a great recipe for entertaining. You can prepare the pesto in advance, cook the shrimp in minutes, and have dinner on the table with little stress or mess.
Storing and Reheating Tips
While this pasta is best served fresh, leftovers hold up surprisingly well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The pesto may thicken slightly, so when reheating, add a tablespoon of warm water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long, as it can become rubbery. If needed, remove the shrimp and reheat them separately for best texture.
Conclusion: A Springtime Staple Worth Keeping
Springtime Pesto and Shrimp Bucatini isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s a celebration of simplicity, seasonality, and balanced flavors. With just a handful of quality ingredients, you can create a dish that feels restaurant-worthy, yet comfortably homemade.
It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you why cooking can be joyful—why twirling a fork through tender noodles, tasting the brightness of fresh herbs, and sharing a meal with someone you love is something worth savoring.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet weeknight or presenting it at your next gathering, this pasta is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen. Celebrate the flavors of spring and bring this dish to life—you won’t regret it.