This pesto shrimp with mushrooms is a quick and satisfying dish filled with juicy shrimp, tender mushrooms, and a rich basil pesto sauce. The combination of garlic, herbs, and savory flavors creates a comforting meal that feels restaurant-quality while being incredibly easy to prepare at home. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own, this recipe delivers fresh flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Packed with protein from tender shrimp
• Rich and flavorful basil pesto sauce
• Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners
• Low in carbs while still feeling hearty
• Easily customizable with vegetables or pasta
• Uses the slow cooker for effortless cooking
• Family-friendly and full of comforting flavors

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Start by preparing the shrimp. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the slow cooker. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes. Gently toss everything together so the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for about 1 to 2 hours. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. They should turn pink and tender when ready.

About 20 minutes before serving, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the slow cooker along with the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking apart the shrimp.

Next, pour in the basil pesto and chicken broth. Stir carefully until the shrimp and mushrooms are fully coated in the flavorful sauce. The broth helps create a silky texture while keeping the dish moist and rich.

Continue cooking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms become tender and the flavors blend together beautifully.

Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top for a burst of freshness and color. Serve warm and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 340
Net Carbs: 6g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 20g

Variations

For a heartier meal, serve this pesto shrimp with mushrooms over cooked pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice. The creamy pesto sauce pairs wonderfully with grains and noodles.

You can also add vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or asparagus for more color and texture. Stir in spinach during the last few minutes of cooking so it wilts perfectly.

If you enjoy extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Swap white mushrooms for cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a deeper earthy flavor.

For a creamier sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pesto shrimp with mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over low heat and stir gently until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

Avoid overheating the shrimp because they can become rubbery if cooked too long.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers still make a delicious lunch the next day.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw the shrimp completely before adding them to the slow cooker for the best texture and even cooking.

What type of pesto works best?

Classic basil pesto works perfectly, but you can also try spinach pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto for different flavors.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply use a dairy-free pesto sauce to make the recipe completely dairy-free.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a firm but tender texture.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, sauté the shrimp and mushrooms in a large skillet over medium heat and add the pesto sauce at the end.

What can I serve with this recipe?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini all work well in this recipe.

Is this recipe low carb?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates with only 6 grams of net carbs per serving.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it is best cooked fresh to keep the shrimp tender.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes or stir in a little cream cheese.

Conclusion

Pesto shrimp with mushrooms is a flavorful and comforting meal that comes together with minimal effort. The juicy shrimp, tender mushrooms, and rich basil pesto sauce create a delicious combination that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With easy variations and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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