One-Pan Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Thyme
A vibrant, weeknight-ready dish with plump shrimp and sweet cherry tomatoes in a fragrant herb-infused sauce. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs tablespoon olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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 ounces, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 ounces peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Step 3: Return shrimp to the skillet, add 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to coat and cook for 1 minute until heated through.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 One-Pan Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Thyme?
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 tablespoon olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Thyme?
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 One-Pan Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Thyme 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 One-Pan Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Thyme?
Mediterranean quick meals 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
- ★★★★★
This was so simple and delicious! My family loved it, especially the fresh thyme flavor.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The shrimp turned out perfectly and the tomatoes were juicy.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the dish was slightly bland for my taste. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes next time.