Tomato-Basil Shrimp Skillet with Garlic and Chili

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

A vibrant shrimp skillet simmered in a fresh tomato and basil sauce with a hint of chili heat, perfect for a quick and wholesome dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired Whole30 recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs peeled deveined shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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: 5 min Cook: 15 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 heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tsp salt, cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juice to form a sauce.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 lb peeled deveined shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and mix in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with 1/2 tsp black pepper, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Basil Shrimp Skillet with Garlic and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Shrimp Skillet with Garlic and Chili?

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 peeled deveined shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Basil Shrimp Skillet with Garlic and Chili?

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 Shrimp Skillet with Garlic and Chili 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 Shrimp Skillet with Garlic and Chili?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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