Print

Quick 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe with Juicy Cherry Tomatoes

quick garlic shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, satisfying, and flavorful garlic shrimp pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish combines tender shrimp, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 pound (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large size)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pint (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling on top)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 8-9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and start to release juices. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss in the drained pasta and about 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water. Stir to combine, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
  7. Add lemon juice and, if desired, a tablespoon of butter for richness. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure a nice sear. Use fresh minced garlic and avoid burning it. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Remove shrimp as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, cherry tomato pasta, easy dinner, 15-minute meal, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/quick-15-minute-garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe-with-juicy-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-delicious/