Pan-Grilled Shrimp with Tomato Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp pan-grilled to a smoky finish and served with a fresh tomato basil sauce bursting with flavor. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 16 large peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp in a single layer; cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and slightly charred, then remove shrimp from pan.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp olive oil along with 3 cloves minced garlic to the pan; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; cook for 1 more minute to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Return the shrimp to the pan and toss gently to coat in the tomato basil sauce before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Grilled Shrimp with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Grilled Shrimp with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Grilled Shrimp with Tomato Basil Sauce?

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 Pan-Grilled Shrimp with Tomato Basil Sauce 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.

What goes well with Pan-Grilled Shrimp with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Italian seafood 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.

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