Pan-Seared Shrimp with Linguine and Cherry Tomatoes

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

A quick weeknight dinner featuring plump shrimp and sweet cherry tomatoes tossed in garlicky linguine, ready in 30 minutes. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs linguine, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 450 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; cook 8 ounces linguine for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound shrimp to the skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook 2 minutes until softened, then return shrimp to skillet.
  5. Step 5: Add drained linguine, reserved pasta water, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley; toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then serve topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp with Linguine and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp with Linguine and Cherry Tomatoes?

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-Seared Shrimp with Linguine and Cherry Tomatoes?

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-Seared Shrimp with Linguine and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp with Linguine and Cherry Tomatoes?

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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