Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni Recipe

If you love pasta dishes that bring a burst of flavor with every bite, this Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni is about to become your new favorite. It perfectly balances the freshness of basil pesto with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes, while succulent shrimp add a tender, savory touch. The rigatoni noodles are the perfect shape to hold that luscious sauce, making every forkful a delightful experience you’ll want to savor again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays an essential role in creating that vibrant and satisfying dish. From the firm rigatoni pasta that holds tight to the creamy pesto sauce, to the spicy shrimp that bring depth and boldness, you’ll see how each component elevates the recipe.

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta: This tube-shaped pasta is ideal for holding onto the rich pesto and bits of shrimp in every bite.
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides tender, juicy seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with the spicy notes.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the shrimp and the pasta to enhance all the flavors.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the shrimp to golden perfection and adding a silky richness to the dish.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory depth that wakes up the palate.
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste): The key to that signature spicy kick in the Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni, giving it vibrant heat without overpowering.
• ½ cup basil pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, this fresh, herbaceous sauce is the star that ties everything together.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that melts into the sauce for creamy indulgence.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a bright, green freshness to lift the entire plate.
• Juice of ½ lemon: A splash of acidity to balance the richness and add a zesty brightness.

How to Make Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your rigatoni until just al dente. This texture ensures the pasta is firm enough to hold the sauce yet tender for a pleasant bite. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is a secret weapon to help loosen and marry your sauce and pasta beautifully later.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Season your peeled and deveined shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The goal is a nice pink color with a slight crispness on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Remove the shrimp and set aside because now comes the flavor-building part for the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Spicy Garlic Base

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant—about one minute. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and infuses the oil with a spicy, garlicky essence that forms the heart of the dish.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Turn the heat to low and add your cooked rigatoni back into the skillet along with the shrimp and creamy basil pesto. Toss everything together gently so each rigatoni piece is evenly coated. If the mixture looks a bit thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to loosen it up, creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Lemon

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. These final touches add layers of salty creaminess and bright acidity that balance the spicy pesto beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Now your Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is the classic garnish here, offering a pop of green color and a clean, herbaceous note that complements the basil pesto wonderfully. For an extra sprinkle of indulgence, add a little more grated Parmesan on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp, simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the brightness in the pasta. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce—because with Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni, you’ll want every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a touch of elegance, plate the rigatoni in shallow bowls and place the shrimp on top, showcasing their beautiful pink hue. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil or pesto, and even add a lemon wedge on the side to invite your guests to customize the zestiness. Presentation can make this dish feel special for date night or entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to meld more after resting, so it’s still delicious the next day. Just be mindful that the pasta may soak up more sauce when chilled.

Freezing

While fresh is best for this pasta, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in freezer-safe containers. However, shrimp can become slightly rubbery after freezing and reheating, so it’s ideal to enjoy this dish fresh or store leftovers in the fridge instead.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the shrimp tender. Avoid microwaving on high as it can overcook the shrimp and make the pasta dry.

FAQs

Can I make my own basil pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade basil pesto is a fantastic way to add freshness and control the flavors. Blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. It makes the Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni taste even more vibrant and personal.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?

This Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less according to your preference. It’s all about balancing the spice with the creamy pesto.

What can I substitute if I don’t have rigatoni pasta?

Penne, ziti, or even farfalle work wonderfully as substitutes. Choose any pasta that can catch the pesto sauce in its shape or ridges for that perfect bite every time.

Is this dish gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by swapping rigatoni for a gluten-free pasta variety. Just be sure to check the cooking times as they may vary slightly to achieve al dente texture.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This helps you get a nice sear and prevents excess water from diluting the sauce in your Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni is a total winner for dinner any night of the week, combining simple ingredients with bold flavors that feel both comforting and exciting. Once you taste that perfect blend of spicy garlic, fresh basil, and succulent shrimp, you’ll be hooked. So go ahead—give this recipe a go and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!