Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta with Grilled Shrimp

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

A classic Italian dish with grilled shrimp, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic in olive oil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup basil
• 1 lb shrimp
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Tip: The reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced cloves garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Add 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming instead of searing.
3. Step 3: Add 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved) to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the basil wilts and releases its aroma.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, 1-2 tbsp at a time, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the noodles. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Step 5: Divide the pasta mixture among serving plates. Garnish with additional chopped basil and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.