Penne with Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick-cooked penne with plump shrimp and burst-open cherry tomatoes in a garlic-herb oil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, 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 520 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to burst and soften, stirring gently.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet with 1/4 tsp salt. Add drained penne and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce coats pasta.
  6. Step 6: Stir in chopped basil and cook for 1 more minute. Season with additional salt if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Penne with Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Penne 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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Penne 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 Penne with Sautéed Shrimp 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 Penne 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.

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