Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes
Tender shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic and cherry tomatoes, tossed with linguine for a light and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine pasta, large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 pint (about 2 cups), halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they soften and release juices.
- Step 5: Add the drained linguine to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until well combined.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Garlic Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 linguine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Garlic Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Shrimp and Garlic Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The shrimp came out tender and the linguine was cooked perfectly. A quick weeknight dinner that felt special.
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to pasta. The cherry tomatoes added such a nice sweetness.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a new family favorite! The shrimp and tomatoes were perfectly cooked and the garlic flavor was just right.







