This Creamy Argentinian Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Jalapeño is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender Argentinian Red Shrimp, spicy jalapeño pesto, and fresh vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, and tomatoes.
Tossed with al dente spaghetti and finished with a hint of white wine, this pasta dish offers a delightful balance of creaminess and heat. Perfect for seafood lovers looking for an easy yet gourmet meal! Garnish with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts for an added touch of elegance.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- It's as Beautiful as it Tastes
- Simple But Higher Expectations
- I Feel like Pasta Tonight, Like Pasta Tonight!
- Pesto Your Way
- Ingredients and Steps
- What is Argentinian Shrimp?
- Culinary Glossary
- Instructions with Pictures
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- Storage
- Cooking Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Pasta Recipes
- Seafood Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
- Subscribe to My YouTube Channel.
- Have a Comment or Question?
It's as Beautiful as it Tastes
Welcome to a full-bodied flavor experience with my Creamy Argentinian Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Jalapeño! Picture this: succulent Argentinian Red Shrimp, gracefully nestled among a sea of al dente spaghetti, all dressed up in a luxurious, creamy sauce that’s bursting with the boldness of jalapeño pesto.
The bright green of the pesto dances playfully with the ruby red of quartered Campari tomatoes, while golden-brown cremini mushrooms and vibrant green asparagus steal the show as they bask in their flavorful glory.
Healthy with Bold Flavors
Each bite is a delightful mix of creaminess and a spicy kick, making it the all-around perfect dish. And don’t worry, this isn’t just a rich pasta—it’s an easy shrimp pesto pasta that’s also surprisingly healthy, thanks to those fresh veggies. It's here to save the day, bringing a touch of gourmet dining to your kitchen without the fuss. Grab your apron, and let’s get into this deliciousness!
Simple But Higher Expectations
When I used to work professionally in the kitchen, making pasta was my thing. It was not only the easiest and quickest station to work, but when a simple dish was done right... You can't go wrong! I also loved that. Just because it is simple doesn't mean you lower your standards.
In fact, your standards should increase. In addition, a simple pasta dish uses the freshest ingredients, just like stir fry; it is not cooked that long. Not just your pasta but your fresh vegetables are the star. To me, when working the saute station, there are three crucial parts to making a great pasta dish: the sauce, the pasta, and the toppings.
The Perfect Pair
Basil pesto with jalapenos was an easy match for this delicious shrimp pasta recipe. Basil and tomatoes are another classic match. Then add your juicy mushrooms and Argentinian Red Shrimp that taste like lobster. Why not?!
I also try adding as many vegetables to my recipes as possible, so I snuck in some asparagus. Then top it off with fresh basil and pine nuts. Molto Bello!
I Feel like Pasta Tonight, Like Pasta Tonight!
The inspiration for this super simple pesto pasta dish was going down the aisle at Trader Joe's. For instance, their vegan pesto sauce caught my eye. I've tried their other vegan products and never had a bad review. So why not give this a try?
Then I saw and grabbed another bag of Argentinian red shrimp that I absolutely love. Since I haven't made pasta in a while, why not make pasta?! With pesto, you can make a chicken sandwich with roasted red bell pepper on a crusty piece of Italian bread or a fresh Caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic.
But tonight! We have shrimp pasta! Yes, this excites us since we try to eat pasta in moderation.
Pesto Your Way
Did you know pesto probably goes as far back as the Roman Age in the 8th Century!? Unbelievable! That's older than your Great-Grandmother! For example, it is believed that it originated in the capital city of Liguria in Italy, called Genoa.
Homemade Pesto
You can make this sauce on your own with simple essential ingredients: fresh basil, parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and salt and pepper; I've even seen recipes with lemon juice. I also have a great Homemade Easy Spicy Basil Pesto recipe.
But, sometimes, when you don't have the time, and you are like me, trying to hurry up and cook dinner right after work when you come home in the evenings, you can usually find it at your local market.
Vegan Pesto = Dairy Free
Lately, there have been a lot of vegan varieties as well. This is great for those who can't have dairy. Yes! This recipe was initially made dairy-free; I used Trader Joe's Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto, which was nice and creamy. Similarly, like this shrimp pasta recipe, I try to sneak greens and vegetables in any way I can, just like this Argentinian shrimp pasta. Let's go!
More Delicious Recipes You Need to Get Your Hands On!
- Spicy Pesto Chicken Pasta Homemade One-Pot-Meal
- Homemade Easy Spicy Basil Pesto
- Best Spicy Sauteed Chili Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Vegetables
- Healthy Haitian-Style Creole Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients and Steps
In a food processor, blend jalapeños with pesto and set aside. Pat the Argentinian shrimp dry and sear in heated oil for 30 seconds per side, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté Cremini mushrooms until golden; add pencil asparagus and garlic, cook briefly, then add Campari tomatoes and cook until they release liquid.
Deglaze the pan with white wine (Sauvignon Blanc), scraping up any caramelized bits. Remove the vegetables and add vegetable broth to the pan, season with kosher salt, and bring to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti pasta in the broth until al dente, then stir in the pesto, shrimp, and vegetables. Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh basil and pine nuts before serving.
What is Argentinian Shrimp?
Argentinian shrimp, also known as Patagonian red shrimp, comes from the clear, cold waters off the coast of Argentina and are prized for their sweet, lobster-like flavor and firm texture.
Even when raw, their vibrant red color stems from their diet of nutrient-rich marine vegetation, giving them a unique taste that stands out among other shrimp varieties. These shrimp are versatile in the kitchen, thriving in dishes ranging from pastas to light appetizers, making them a favorite for both home cooks and chefs alike.
You can find them at local seafood markets or online, but make sure to choose bright, firm shrimp with a fresh ocean scent to ensure quality. For more on Argentinian shrimp, check out The Ocean Insider's Seafood Guide and Berry Patch Farms. Learn more bout prepping shrimp: Guide to Shrimp: How to Clean, Cook, and Choose the Best.
Culinary Glossary
This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe.
Ingredients
- Argentinian Red Shrimp - A premium shrimp variety known for its sweet, lobster-like flavor and firm texture. These shrimp are wild-caught in the cold waters of the southwestern Atlantic and have a vibrant red color even when raw, distinguishing them from other types of shrimp.
- Jalapeño - A medium-sized chili pepper recognized for its mild to moderate heat, it adds a fresh, spicy kick to dishes.
- Pesto - A traditional Italian sauce made primarily from basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Check out my Spicy Basil Pesto here. The vegan version substitutes nutritional yeast for cheese and may include different types of nuts.
- Sauté - A cooking technique that involves quickly cooking food in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. This method helps develop flavor and maintain the texture of the ingredients. So, always remember, a small amount of oil and high heat equals saute.
- Pine Nuts - Small, edible seeds from pine cones, known for their sweet, buttery flavor. They are often used in pesto and as a garnish.
Techniques
- Deglaze - The process of adding liquid (like wine) to a hot pan to loosen and dissolve the browned bits of food stuck to the bottom, enhancing the flavor of sauces and soups.
- Al Dente - An Italian term meaning "to the tooth," used to describe pasta that is cooked until firm to the bite. It provides the best texture for pasta dishes.
See the Argentinian shrimp pasta recipe card for quantities.
Instructions with Pictures
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.
In a food processor, combine the jalapeños with the vegan pesto. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Make sure to pat the shrimp dry to allow it to brown and also to help the seasoning adhere.
The mushrooms are cooked in shrimp-flavored oil to boost the flavor of the vegetables.
The mushrooms take longer to cook, and that is why you add the asparagus later along with the garlic.
The tomatoes are added at the end as well to keep it plump since it will not be turned into a sauce.
Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any caramelized bits (aka fond). Allow the wine to cook off for a couple of minutes.
Knowing the purpose of the ingredients helps dictate when and how long it takes to cook it in a recipe.
Remove the vegetable mixture from the pan and set it aside. Add the vegetable broth to the pan and season with salt to taste.
Bring the broth to a boil and add the spaghetti.
You don't have to use a lot of liquid to cook pasta. So when you are cooking on the fly, use a saute pan (a good skillet with high sides).
Cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in the jalapeño pesto until well combined.
Return the sauteed shrimp and vegetable mixture to the pan.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Substitutions
Dairy Free
- Yay! This recipe is already dairy-free because of the vegan pesto!
Gluten-Free
- Spaghetti Pasta - Use gluten-free pasta varieties made from brown rice, quinoa, or lentils to replace traditional spaghetti.
Vegetarian
- Argentinian Shrimp - Simply omit the Argentinian shrimp and substitute it with a protein like chickpeas or grilled tofu. You can enhance the dish's heartiness by adding extra vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to maintain a satisfying texture and flavor. Or try making vegan shrimp. Check out The Hidden Veggies' recipe.
Convenience
- Argentinian Shrimp - The closest thing that tastes like Argentinian red shrimp is lobster tail meat. However, you can substitute for other shrimp varieties, including prawns.
- Vegan Pesto - If you don't have vegan pesto, make homemade pesto by blending fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts (like walnuts or sunflower seeds) for a homemade version, or use store-bought pesto of your choice.
- For this recipe I used Trader Joe's Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto. However, if you wish to make your own vegan pesto, check out Minimalist Baker's Easy Vegan Pesto (5 minutes).
- Olive Oil - Use any neutral oil, such as canola or avocado oil, if olive oil isn't available.
- White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc): I recommend you use Sauvignon Blanc due to its ability to pair with seafood and spicy dishes due to its dry note. Additionally, you do not want to use a sweet wine.
- However, you may try Pinot Gris if you can't find Sauvignon Blanc.
- Remember, these are white wines; do not confuse them with Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Replace with vegetable broth mixed with a splash of vinegar (like apple cider or white wine vinegar) for acidity.
- Cremini Mushrooms (Brown Button Mushrooms) - Substitute with button mushrooms or any other mushrooms available, such as shiitake or portobello.
- Pencil Asparagus - Replace with jumbo asparagus or with broccoli or green beans for a different but tasty crunch.
- Campari Tomatoes - Use other small tomatoes like grape or cherry tomatoes.
- Or try a variety of fresh tomatoes, such as Roma or vine-ripened, or even canned diced tomatoes in a pinch.
- If you use grape or cherry tomatoes, cut them in half only.
- However, I do not suggest using globe tomatoes; the regular large round tomatoes contain too much water and acidity.
- Garlic Cloves - Try using garlic powder.
- Spaghetti - You can use your favorite pasta. I recommend penne, rigatoni, farfalle, fusilli, orecchiette, or pipette, as long as it is about 1 inch long to hold the sauce. In addition, you do not want to use thin or tiny pasta, like angel hair or orzo.
- Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth - You can use fish, seafood, lobster base/ broth/ bouillon instead for more of a salty seafood kick. Since the lobster base has its own unique kick, I would suggest using Chardonnay wine for this.
- Jalapeno - Substitute with green bell pepper or poblanos for a milder flavor or serrano pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Jalapeno Substitutions, In order of heat level, from mild to hot:
- Green Anaheim- New Mexican, should be roasted and peeled before use. As a result, gives a smoky characteristic to the chili. It has heat but is milder than poblanos but not as hot as serranos. Tricky: When you find a hot one, they can be hotter than poblanos. So much fun! Sigh.
- Poblano - ancho is bigger but not as hot, milder with a great flavor
- (Jalapenos)
- Serrano- hotter than jalapenos and smaller in size
Change Heat Level - Modify the Argentinian shrimp pasta recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Variations
- Creamy Alfredo Addition - For a richer sauce, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut cream to the jalapeño pesto before mixing it with the pasta, creating a luxurious creamy texture.
- Then, enhance the flavor profile by adding ¼ to ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, which will melt beautifully and complement the shrimp and vegetables with a savory depth.
Equipment
- Food Processor - The food processor is essential for quickly blending the jalapeños with the vegan pesto, creating a smooth and flavorful sauce. This appliance saves time and effort compared to chopping ingredients by hand, ensuring a consistent texture in your pesto.
- Spatula - A spatula is used to gently fold and combine the ingredients, particularly when mixing the pesto with the pasta and ensuring even distribution of flavors. It’s also handy for scraping down the sides of bowls or pans, preventing any pesto or sauce from going to waste.
- Sauté Pan (or large skillet) - The sauté pan is the workhorse of this recipe, used for searing the shrimp, sautéing the mushrooms and asparagus, and deglazing with white wine. Its wide surface area allows for even cooking and browning, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Holding Tray - The holding tray is utilized to temporarily set aside the cooked shrimp and sautéed vegetables while you prepare the pasta. This keeps everything organized and ensures that the cooked ingredients remain warm without overcooking.
- Tongs - Tongs are crucial for flipping the shrimp while searing and for tossing the cooked pasta with the pesto and other ingredients. They provide a secure grip, making it easy to handle hot ingredients without the risk of burns.
Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Storage
- Refrigerator - Store any leftover Creamy Argentinian Shrimp Pesto Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer - If you have leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months to enjoy later without sacrificing flavor.
- Reheating - When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to maintain its creamy texture, ensuring it doesn’t dry out in the microwave.
Airtight Food Containers - I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clipping lids or wooden push-ins. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, they hold food without staining, and the glass keeps the food at a more stable temperature, keeping it fresher and longer.
Try the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Containers or the Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers.
Cooking Tips
- Use Seafood Broth - You can use shrimp, seafood, or lobster broth.
- Use Sauvignon Blanc - This white wine pairs well with spicy and seafood dishes.
- Control Jalapeno's Heat - The jalapeno's white flesh, pith, holds the heat. You can either remove the pith and seeds or leave them in to control the heat level to your preference. I usually use whole pepper for a great kick. If you want it hotter, you can add two peppers instead.
- Pepper Heat Scale - Peppers are on a heat scale because sometimes it's like Russian Roulette. One pepper in the bunch can be hotter than the rest. For example, Shishito peppers are usually mild, but you might get a hot one. Learn more about the Scoville Sale.
- Prep Ahead - Before you start cooking, gather and chop all your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother and less stressful.
- Watch the Shrimp - When searing Argentinian shrimp, cook them just until they are opaque and slightly pink—overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
- Taste as You Go - Always taste your dish at different stages of cooking; this will help you adjust seasonings and ensure that flavors are balanced.
- Use Fresh Ingredients - For the best flavor, opt for fresh herbs and vegetables, especially basil and asparagus, as they will elevate the dish and enhance its overall taste.
- Embrace the Starch - When cooking pasta, don’t rinse it after boiling; the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta, making every bite flavorful and cohesive.
Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen Argentinian shrimp; just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking for even results.
To keep it dairy-free, use vegan cream or coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.
If you prefer a milder taste, consider using green bell peppers or poblano peppers instead of jalapeños for a similar texture without the heat.
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance, but it's best to cook the shrimp and pasta just before serving to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne, as long as you adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Pasta Recipes
Looking for other pasta recipes like this? Try these:
- One-Pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey and Kale
- Bold and Spicy Caribbean Beef Noodle Soup Recipe Twist
- Healthy Haitian-Style Creole Spicy Shrimp Pasta
- Creamy Spinach Pesto Mushroom Lasagna
Seafood Recipes
Looking for other Seafood recipes like this? Try these:
- Seared Snapper Spicy Creole Sauce and Roasted Vegetables
- Sesame Seed-Crusted Ahi Tuna with Spicy Sesame-Soy Sauce
- Grilled Shrimp Garlic Jalapeno Butter and Cilantro Lime Rice
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp Rice Bowl with Lemon Remoulade
📖 Recipe
Creamy Argentinian Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Jalapeño
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegan pesto
- 2 jalapenos
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Argentinian Red Shrimp thawed, deveined, and peeled
- 10 cremini mushrooms quartered
- 3 garlic cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 15 cup pencil asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces
- ½ pound spaghetti
- 8 Campari tomatoes quartered
- ¼ cup white wine
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup basil leaves
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Blend the Sauce: In a food processor, blend the jalapeños with the pesto. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry. Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 30 seconds on each side until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, cook mushrooms until golden brown. Add asparagus, tossing for 1 minute. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and cook 1-2 minutes until they release liquid.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in white wine, scrape the bottom of the pan to release caramelized bits, and cook until the wine evaporates.
- Cook the Pasta: Remove vegetables from the pan and set aside with the shrimp. Add vegetable broth to the pan, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring to prevent sticking.
- Combine and Serve: Stir in the pesto, cooked vegetables, and shrimp. Adjust seasoning with salt. Garnish with fresh basil and pine nuts.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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