Skillet Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Simmer

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

A vibrant shrimp skillet dish featuring plump shrimp simmered with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs for a bright, healthy meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined medium shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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: 8 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp seasoned with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Sauté shrimp for 3 minutes until they start to turn pink.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook and stir for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant and well combined. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Simmer take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (8 min prep + 12 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 Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Simmer?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Simmer?

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 Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Simmer 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 Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Simmer 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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