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-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, 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

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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.