Festive Light Pasta with Shrimp

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A shimmering pasta dish inspired by holiday lights, featuring succulent shrimp, sun-kissed cherry tomatoes, and a glowing garlic-herb sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs cooked pasta, peeled and deveined shrimp, pint, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes, garlic, and lemon zest. Sauté for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and white wine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss to combine, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Festive Light Pasta with Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Festive Light Pasta with Shrimp?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Festive Light Pasta with Shrimp?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Festive Light Pasta with Shrimp for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Festive Light Pasta with Shrimp?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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