Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Bright and fresh, this pasta comes together in under 30 minutes with plump shrimp, sun-ripened tomatoes, and a zesty lemon sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz shrimp
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 large lemon
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts (16 cups) of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz peeled and deveined shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices, then squeeze juice from 1 large lemon over the mixture.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet with 1/4 cup fresh basil and 1/4 tsp salt. Add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats strands and becomes glossy.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in remaining 1/4 cup basil, and serve immediately with extra lemon zest.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
