A delicious and easy pasta dish made with juicy garlic shrimp, sweet tomatoes, fresh herbs, and Parmesan tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It comes together quickly and makes a wonderful weeknight dinner.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, linguine, or penne
• 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Season with:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Toss gently to coat.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp in a single layer.

Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Transfer the shrimp to a plate.

Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp because they can become tough.

4. Cook the Garlic & Tomatoes

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.

Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes.

Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin releasing their juices.

5. Create the Sauce

Add about ¼ cup reserved pasta water to the skillet.

Stir and gently scrape the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Add more pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.

6. Add the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.

Toss well so the pasta becomes coated with the tomato-garlic sauce.

Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet.

Toss gently for about 1–2 minutes.

7. Finish the Pasta

Turn off the heat.

Add:

• Fresh parsley
• Fresh basil
• Parmesan
• Lemon juice

Toss gently.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve

Transfer to serving plates.

Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired. 🍋

Tips for the Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Use fresh garlic for the strongest flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the shrimp while cooking.
• Reserve pasta water—it helps create a silky sauce.
• Add Parmesan after turning off the heat for the best texture.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes work especially well.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the whole dish.

Easy Variations

Spinach & Shrimp Pasta

Add 2 cups fresh spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.

 Mushroom Version

Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the tomatoes.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a little chili powder.

 Creamy Version

Add ½ cup heavy cream after the tomatoes soften and simmer briefly before adding the pasta.

 Mediterranean Style

Add Kalamata olives, feta, oregano, and extra fresh parsley.

 Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I use cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add it near the end just to warm through. This prevents it from becoming rubbery.

What pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, penne, and bow-tie pasta all work well.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes. Use about 1½ cups drained diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes aren’t available.

Can I make this without Parmesan?

Absolutely. You can omit it or finish with a little crumbled feta for a different flavor.

Why is my pasta sauce watery?

Allow the tomatoes and pasta water to simmer briefly before adding the pasta. The pasta also helps absorb and thicken the sauce.

Can I add cream?

Yes. Stir in about ½ cup heavy cream after cooking the tomatoes for a creamy variation.

How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp should become opaque and firm and should be cooked thoroughly. Avoid cooking them for much longer than necessary.

Can I make this ahead?

It’s best served fresh because shrimp and pasta can change texture when reheated. You can, however, prepare the ingredients ahead of time.

 Quick Recipe Card

Cook pasta → season shrimp → sauté shrimp → cook garlic & tomatoes → add pasta water → toss in pasta → return shrimp → add basil, parsley, Parmesan & lemon → serve hot.