Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Skillet with Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, saucy shrimp and cherry tomato skillet infused with fresh basil, perfect for a quick Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, cherry tomatoes, halved, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 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 Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly seared, then flip and cook another 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Skillet with Basil 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 Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Skillet with Basil?

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 cherry tomatoes, halved from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Skillet with Basil?

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 Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Skillet with Basil 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.

Is Sautéed Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Skillet with Basil whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes