One-Pot Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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A vibrant pasta dish featuring plump shrimp and sun-ripened tomatoes simmered in a single pot with garlic and herbs for effortless weeknight dining. This Italian-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs spaghetti, shrimp, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup vegetable broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water and 1/4 cup fresh basil, tossing to combine.
  7. Step 7: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Shrimp and Tomato Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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-Pot Shrimp and Tomato Pasta?

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-Pot Shrimp and Tomato Pasta?

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-Pot Shrimp and Tomato Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is One-Pot Shrimp and Tomato Pasta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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