Half-Moon Shrimp Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish with plump shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes, tossed in a garlic-herb sauce and finished with fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs spaghetti, (peeled and deveined) large shrimp, (minced) garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 3.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp and 1/2 tsp salt, cooking for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup white wine. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and wine reduces by half.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Return shrimp to the skillet. Add 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a saucy consistency.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp olive oil. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Moon Shrimp Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Half-Moon Shrimp Pasta?

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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Moon Shrimp Pasta?

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 Half-Moon Shrimp Pasta 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 Half-Moon Shrimp Pasta?

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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