Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh tomatoes and basil simmered into a vibrant sauce, tossed with al dente pasta and plump shrimp. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, peeled and deveined shrimp, 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.

★ 3.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add drained pasta, shrimp, and basil to the skillet. Toss with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until glossy and well-coated. Season with salt. Serve immediately with Parmesan.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp?

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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp?

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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp?

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.

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