Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant weeknight pasta tossed with plump shrimp and sweet tomatoes in a light garlic-infused sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, peeled and deveined shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 12 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet, add drained spaghetti, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Toss for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp 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 Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes?
Italian pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
