Web of Pasta with Lemon-Herb Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes
A colorful, elegant pasta dish featuring delicate shrimp and tomatoes that 'weave' through ribbons of pasta, inspired by interactive web designs. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 38 minutes pairs fettuccine, shrimp, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 12 oz shrimp
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, then add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with 1/4 cup white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften and liquid reduces by half, then stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup chopped basil until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, add drained fettuccine, and toss gently with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until the pasta is evenly coated and glossy. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Web of Pasta with Lemon-Herb Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 38 minutes (20 min prep + 18 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 Web of Pasta with Lemon-Herb Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 fettuccine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Web of Pasta with Lemon-Herb Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Web of Pasta with Lemon-Herb Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Web of Pasta with Lemon-Herb Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.