Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and cherry tomatoes, finished with fresh basil for a vibrant, Whole30-compliant seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 17 minutes pairs pound peeled and deveined shrimp, tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer and season with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using; cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden.
- Step 4: Flip the shrimp and add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes; cook together for another 2-3 minutes until shrimp are opaque and tomatoes soften.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves; serve immediately while warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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 Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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.
Is Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best shrimp recipe I've tried in years. So simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
My family loved the garlic shrimp with tomatoes. Served with crusty bread, perfect.
- ★★★★★
This was so quick and flavorful! The basil really brightened it up.