Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Penne

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes, tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce and served over al dente penne pasta for a quick Italian-inspired dinner. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, large 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 450 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: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 14 oz canned peeled and diced tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer sauce for 8 minutes until it thickens and flavors concentrate.
  4. Step 4: Increase heat to medium-high, add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and pink.
  5. Step 5: Toss drained penne pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Add reserved 1/2 cup pasta water a little at a time to loosen sauce as needed.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together over low heat for 1 minute until combined and warmed through. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Penne take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Sauce and Penne?

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 Sauce and 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 Sauce and 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 Sauce and Penne?

Italian 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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