Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce
Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and tossed in a vibrant spicy tomato basil sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 210 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; transfer shrimp to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves along with 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic edges just begin to turn golden.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat shrimp in the sauce and cook for an additional 1 minute to warm through before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato 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 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 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 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 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.
