Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sautéed shrimp in a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, ideal for a quick and flavorful seafood dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and deepens in color.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with crusty bread or over cooked rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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