Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes