Skillet Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

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

A vibrant, quick skillet dish featuring succulent shrimp simmered with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, perfect for a wholesome dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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 browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Stir gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and shrimp are fully cooked.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Toss to combine and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Skillet Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet 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 Skillet 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 Skillet Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and 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.

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