Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Quick sautéed shrimp tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes and aromatic fresh basil for a light Whole30 seafood meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (low carb) ready in about 17 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, cherry tomatoes, halved, fresh basil leaves, chopped 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp sea 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.
- Step 2: Add 3 cloves minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Flip the shrimp and add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring gently, until tomatoes soften.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.