Creamy Pesto Shrimp Appetizer is quick to make, full of flavor, and a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for an elegant holiday gathering or a relaxed summer cookout.
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Appetizer or dinner?
When I developed my Pesto Shrimp Pasta, I noticed how well the shrimp would stand on their own as an appetizer. Serve them with extra creamy pesto sauce for dipping and offer toothpicks or small skewers for an easy, elegant starter your guests will enjoy.
Pesto for this appetizer
This recipe uses a basil and sun-dried tomato pesto I found at Grocery Outlet. It was so good we bought extra jars and froze a couple to save for later. If your local store doesn’t carry the same pesto, that’s fine—this recipe works well with any prepared pesto or your favorite homemade version.
More great shrimp appetizers
If you want more shrimp ideas, try Shrimp Caprese Skewers, Cheesy Shrimp Dip, or Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp for other tasty starters.
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Creamy Pesto Shrimp Appetizer Recipe
Creamy Pesto Shrimp Appetizer
Ingredients
- 6 ounce container prepared pesto (or about 3/4 cup)
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 3 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 pound frozen, peeled and deveined cooked shrimp (tail off), defrosted according to package directions
- Red bell pepper, finely chopped
- Yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pesto, vegetable broth, and cream cheese. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add the defrosted shrimp and stir until they are evenly coated in the sauce. Arrange the coated shrimp on a serving plate and garnish with the chopped red and yellow peppers. Serve additional sauce in a small bowl for dipping and provide toothpicks or skewers for easy serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on brands, measurements, and portion sizes.