One-Pan Shrimp Tomato Pasta with Basil

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-08 · Updated 2026-04-08

Quick-cooked pasta with plump shrimp, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil in a light, vibrant sauce. This Italian one-pot recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, and cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner. 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 "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.