Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and Basil Penne
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes, tossed in a spicy tomato sauce and served over al dente penne pasta with fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp divided salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup for serving grated Parmesan cheese
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 11 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 5 minced garlic cloves with 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet along with drained penne pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to combine and heat for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and season with additional black pepper if desired.
- Step 7: Serve immediately topped with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and Basil Penne 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and Basil Penne?
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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and Basil Penne?
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 Penne 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 Penne?
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.
