Pesto Shrimp Flatbread with Mozzarella

Pesto Shrimp Flatbread with Mozzarella

ByLaura

Imagine the aroma of garlicky pesto swirling through your kitchen, mingling with the sizzle of tender shrimp and the comforting warmth of fresh flatbread. Now picture pulling that golden, cheesy flatbread from the oven, the mozzarella perfectly melted, stretching in gooey ribbons as you cut into it. This is not just a recipe, it’s an invitation to bring a little Italian sunshine straight to your table. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Behind the Recipe

Flatbreads have always held a special place in my kitchen because they’re the kind of food that brings everyone together. This recipe was born out of a lazy summer evening when I had pesto leftover from a batch of basil picked in the garden and a handful of shrimp that needed using. The marriage of creamy mozzarella, herby pesto, and succulent shrimp on a crisp flatbread was a match made in heaven, and it quickly became one of my go-to “impress without stress” dishes.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Flatbreads date back thousands of years, with variations in nearly every culture. From Indian naan to Middle Eastern pita, these simple bases have carried flavors across time and continents. In Italy, flatbreads paved the way for modern pizza, and this recipe draws inspiration from those rustic roots. By combining Italian pesto with fresh shrimp, we bring together a coastal twist that makes this flatbread feel both classic and innovative at the same time.

Why You’ll Love Pesto Shrimp Flatbread with Mozzarella

There’s more than one reason this dish deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.

Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, light dinner, or even cut into bite-sized pieces for a party spread.

Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples like flatbread and mozzarella keep costs down while still feeling gourmet.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Customizable: Add veggies like roasted red peppers or swap shrimp for chicken if you like.

Crowd-Pleasing: The flavor combination is universally loved, making it a safe bet for guests.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the toppings in advance so all you need is a quick bake before serving.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat slices the next day or repurpose them into creative new meals.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pesto Shrimp Flatbread with Mozzarella

Pesto Shrimp Flatbread with Mozzarella

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Halal
Print Recipe

Description

Golden, crispy flatbreads layered with basil pesto, juicy shrimp, and melty mozzarella, finished with fresh basil for a bright, herby bite. Ready in 25 minutes and perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 flatbreads, 8 inches each
  • 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined, patted dry
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear shrimp 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from heat.
  4. Place flatbreads on the prepared sheet and pre-bake 2 minutes to help them crisp.
  5. Spread pesto evenly over flatbreads, top with mozzarella, then arrange shrimp on top.
  6. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden.
  7. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, garnish with torn basil, slice, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Note: Pat shrimp very dry for the best sear and minimal moisture on the crust.
  • Pre-baking the flatbreads keeps the base crisp under juicy toppings.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon after baking to brighten flavors.
  • For extra richness, sprinkle 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan before baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 flatbread
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: pesto shrimp flatbread, mozzarella flatbread, easy weeknight dinner, shrimp pizza, basil pesto recipe, party appetizer

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Getting this flatbread just right is easier than you think, but a few little tricks can take it over the top:

  1. Always pat your shrimp dry before cooking to keep them from turning watery.
  2. Toast the flatbread for 2 minutes before adding toppings, this ensures it stays crisp.
  3. Use fresh mozzarella whenever possible for that creamy melt and indulgent stretch.
  4. Add a drizzle of olive oil just before serving to enhance flavor and shine.

ding">Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require anything fancy, just a few kitchen basics:

Baking Sheet: For baking the flatbread to crispy perfection.

Mixing Bowl: To toss the shrimp with seasoning and olive oil.

Skillet:

rong> To quickly cook the shrimp before topping the flatbread.

Sharp Knife: For slicing the mozzarella and cutting the finished flatbread into servings.

Spatula: Handy for transferring shrimp and spreading pesto.

Ingredients in Pesto Shrimp Flatbread with Mozzarella

To create a dish that feels balanced and satisfying, every ingredient has its role to play. Here’s what you’ll need:

    t">
  1. Flatbreads: 2 pieces, about 8 inches each. They form the crispy base.
  2. Shrimp: 1/2 pound, peeled and deveined. Adds protein and a succulent bite.
  3. Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, sliced or shredded. Brings creaminess and a satisfying melt.
  4. Pesto Sauce: 1/3 cup. Infuses bold basil, garlic, and Parmesan flavor.
  5. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Used for cooking shrimp and adding richness.
  6. Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Enhances the shrimp with savory depth.
  7. Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a gentle kick of spice.
  8. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Balances flavors.
  9. Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon. Adds subtle heat.
  10. Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful, for garnish and freshness.

    11. Ingredient Substitutions

    Sometimes you need a backup plan, so here are easy swaps:

    Flatbreads: Naan, pita bread, or even tortillas.

    Shrimp: Chicken strips or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

    Mozzarella: Provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack.

    Pesto: Sun-dried tomato pesto or roasted red pepper spread.

    Olive Oil:

    strong> Avocado oil or melted butter.

    Ingredient Spotlight

    Shrimp: A lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up bold flavors, giving the flatbread a gourmet twist.

    Pesto: With its blend of basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic, pesto is the heart of this recipe, tying everything together with bright, herbaceous notes.

    Instructions for Making Pesto Shrimp Flatbread with Mozzarella

    This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than it looks.

      t">
    1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
    3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the shrimp, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from heat.
    4. Assemble the Dish: Spread pesto over each flatbread, layer with mozzarella slices, and top with cooked shrimp.
    5. Cook to Perfection: Place the flatbreads on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
    6. Finishing Touches: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
    7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice into wedges and serve immediately while hot and melty.

      8. Texture & Flavor Secrets

      The beauty of this recipe lies in its contrasts: crisp flatbread against tender shrimp, creamy mozzarella meeting the nutty, garlicky punch of pesto. The basil garnish brings freshness while the olive oil drizzle ties everything together with a silky finish.

      Cooking Tips & Tricks

      Here are a few more ways to make this recipe shine:

      • Use pre-cooked shrimp if you’re short on time, just warm them through.
      • Bake directly on a pizza stone for extra crispy results.
      • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan just before baking for an extra cheesy layer.