Shrimp Pesto Pizza
Shrimp pesto pizza is a fresh, flavorful twist on classic pizza night. It combines juicy seasoned shrimp with vibrant basil pesto, melted cheese, and a perfectly crisp crust. The pesto replaces traditional tomato sauce, giving the pizza a rich herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with seafood. Every bite is creamy, garlicky, and slightly nutty with a bright freshness from basil and a subtle sweetness from shrimp. It’s a great choice when you want something a little different but still comforting and satisfying.
Prep Time: 25–30 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6 slices
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
3 cups bread flour (if making from scratch)
2¼ tsp active dry yeast
1¼ cups warm water
1–2 tbsp olive oil
1–1½ tsp salt
1½ tsp honey (optional)
Basil Pesto Sauce
5 cups fresh basil leaves
⅓ to ⅔ cup olive oil
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup toasted pine nuts
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings
½ to 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ to ½ cup feta cheese (optional)
Ricotta cheese (optional dollops)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
Red pepper flakes, to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Olive oil and lemon juice (for seasoning shrimp)
Instructions
If making dough from scratch, mix warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours.
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Season shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired shape and thickness.
Transfer dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over the base, leaving a small border around the edges.
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the pesto.
Add shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion on top.
Add dollops of ricotta and sprinkle feta if using.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and shrimp are cooked through.
Remove from oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Tips
Do not overcook shrimp before baking; it finishes in the oven.
Use fresh basil for the brightest pesto flavor.
Preheat oven properly for a crispy crust.
Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for better texture.
Do not overload the pizza with toppings to avoid sogginess.
Use a pizza stone for restaurant-style crispiness.
Add cheese under and over toppings for better melt.
Let dough rest to make it easier to stretch.
Brush crust edges with olive oil for a golden finish.
Slice pizza after a short rest to keep toppings intact.
Variations
Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or scallops.
Add spinach or arugula after baking for freshness.
Use sun-dried tomato pesto for deeper flavor.
Replace mozzarella with smoked gouda or provolone.
Make it spicy with chili oil or jalapeños.
Add olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Use cauliflower crust for a low-carb version.
Top with burrata after baking for creaminess.
Add caramelized onions for sweetness.
Try a white pesto base using ricotta mixed with pesto.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before seasoning.
Can I make pesto ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Why is my pizza soggy?
Too much pesto or wet toppings can cause this.
Can I grill this pizza?
Yes, it works great on a grill for smoky flavor.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, it saves time and still tastes great.
How do I reheat pizza?
Reheat in oven or skillet for best texture.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan cheese and skip Parmesan in pesto.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but feta adds tanginess.
Can I freeze pizza dough?
Yes, freeze after first rise for later use.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, just reduce spice and skip chili flakes.
Nutrition
(Approximate per slice)
Calories: 320–420 kcal
Protein: 20–25g
Carbohydrates: 30–35g
Fat: 14–18g
Fiber: 2–3g
Conclusion
Shrimp pesto pizza is a fresh and flavorful upgrade to traditional pizza, combining herb-rich pesto, tender shrimp, and melted cheese on a crispy crust. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for guests or special dinners. With its balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors, this pizza is a perfect way to enjoy seafood in a fun and satisfying way.