Need a show-stopping dish for your next dinner party that doesn’t keep you tied to the stove? I have the perfect answer. This Creamy Parmesan & Pesto Shrimp Foil Packets recipe is my absolute secret weapon for effortless entertaining. If you love easy shrimp dinners, you must try my creamy shrimp scampi orzo for another simple one-pot wonder.
It looks like you spent hours on a rich, cheesy seafood dinner. I promise, it’s incredibly easy. The magic happens in a simple foil packet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. You get to enjoy your own party, which is the whole point.
Imagine plump shrimp bathed in a luxurious, herby sauce with melted parmesan. The aroma alone will have your guests gathering in the kitchen. Let me show you how to make this impressive Italian foil packet dinner your new hosting staple.
Recipe Overview
Here’s everything you need to know at a quick glance.
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why This is My Go-To for Guests
I’ve served this at everything from backyard barbecues to cozy winter dinner parties. It never fails to get rave reviews. The reasons are simple, and they all work in your favor as a host.
Creamy Parmesan & Pesto Shrimp Foil Packets Recipe
The “Wow Factor” Ingredients
How to Prepare Your Dish (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Parmesan & Pesto Shrimp Foil Packets Recipe!
Nutrition Information
First, it’s a complete meal in one packet. The shrimp, sauce, and veggies cook together perfectly. There’s no juggling multiple pans at the last minute. Second, it’s incredibly forgiving. A few extra minutes in the oven won’t ruin it. This gives you a stress-free buffer while you chat with friends.
Finally, the presentation is just beautiful. You can open the steaming packets right at the table for a real “ta-da!” moment. It feels special and thoughtful, without any of the usual chef’s anxiety.
Make-Ahead Magic: My Hosting Secret
This is my favorite part. You can do almost all the work ahead of time. This trick is what lets me be a guest at my own party.
One to two days before, you can assemble the packets completely. Simply place the shrimp and veggies on the foil, spoon over the creamy pesto sauce, and top with cheese. Fold the packets up, place them on a baking sheet, and pop the whole tray in the fridge.
When your guests arrive, just slide the tray into a preheated oven. In 15 minutes, dinner is ready. You’ll look calm and collected, and your kitchen will stay clean. It’s the ultimate hosting hack.
The “Wow Factor” Ingredients
Simple, quality ingredients make all the difference here. Each one builds a layer of flavor that comes together beautifully.
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought is fine, homemade is amazing)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Your Dish (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for perfect packets every single time. I promise it’s a straightforward process.
- Prep your station. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12×18 inches each. Lightly spray the center of each with oil.
- Mix the creamy sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pesto, heavy cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, and the minced garlic. Stir until it’s smooth and well combined. This rich sauce is the heart of the dish. For a different take on a herby garlic sauce, check out my pesto shrimp scampi recipe.
- Divide the veggies and shrimp. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp, tomatoes, and zucchini with a little salt and pepper. Divide this mixture evenly among the four foil sheets, piling it in the center.
- Add the sauce and cheese. Spoon the creamy pesto sauce generously over each pile of shrimp and veggies. Then, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of each portion.
- Seal the packets. Bring the long sides of the foil together over the food. Fold them down in a series of tight folds until the packet is snug over the food. Then, roll up the short ends to seal everything in completely. This creates a little steam oven for perfect cooking.
- Bake to perfection. Place the sealed packets on a baking sheet (this catches any drips). Bake for 14-16 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. For a golden top, you can carefully open the packets and broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Rest and garnish. Let the packets sit for 2-3 minutes after removing them from the oven (they will be very hot!). Carefully open them, watch for the steam, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
How to Serve This Like a Pro
Presentation is key for that elegant feel. I like to place each unopened packet directly on a dinner plate. Let each guest open their own at the table for a fun, interactive experience.
Alternatively, you can open all the packets and gently pour the contents onto a large, warm serving platter. Scrape every last bit of that delicious sauce over the top. Garnish with a big handful of fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread on the side for soaking up the sauce—trust me, they’ll want to.
Perfect Pairings (What to Drink & Serve With It)
This rich dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its creaminess. A crisp, green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is my first choice. It cuts through the richness beautifully.
For carbs, you can’t go wrong with a loaf of warm, crusty bread or a bowl of simple garlic bread. Orzo pasta or crusty breadsticks are also fantastic options. For drinks, a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works perfectly. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Chianti is lovely. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon or a citrusy iced tea is refreshing.
Nutrition Notes
This is a rich, indulgent dish perfect for a special occasion. Here’s a basic look at what’s in each serving.
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 320mg
- Sodium: 980mg
*Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Your Entertaining FAQs
Here are answers to the questions I get asked most often about this recipe.
Can I cook these on the grill?
Absolutely! These creamy shrimp packets are fantastic on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the sealed packets directly on the grates and cook for 12-15 minutes. The smoky flavor adds a wonderful new dimension.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter version. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat canned coconut milk works surprisingly well and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the pesto.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the contents in an oven-safe dish, add a tiny splash of cream or water, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. I don’t recommend reheating in the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
I hope this recipe becomes a trusted friend in your entertaining toolkit, just like it is in mine. It proves that you can serve something truly impressive without any of the stress. The combination of creamy parmesan, vibrant pesto, and sweet shrimp is always a crowd-pleaser. For another elegant shrimp presentation, try serving shrimp scampi over creamy polenta.
Give it a try for your next gathering. I’m confident your guests will be asking for the recipe before the night is over. Now, go enjoy your party!
I’d love to hear how your party went! Did your guests love it? Leave a comment and a rating below!
