One-Pan Shrimp Tomato Pasta with Basil
Quick-cooked pasta with plump shrimp, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil in a light, vibrant sauce. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 1/2 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook 8 oz spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup minced garlic and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is golden (do not brown).
- Step 3: Add 1/2 lb shrimp to skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then add 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until pasta is coated and sauce is light, adding more pasta water if needed to create a silky texture.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Shrimp Tomato Pasta with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 One-Pan Shrimp Tomato Pasta with 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Shrimp Tomato Pasta with 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 One-Pan Shrimp Tomato Pasta with Basil 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 Shrimp Tomato Pasta with Basil?
Italian one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to one pot dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
