Garlic Shrimp Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Introduction
This garlic shrimp skillet with cherry tomatoes is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy shrimp are cooked with fragrant garlic and sweet tomatoes that create a delicious, fresh sauce. It’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rice.

Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Step 2: Add shrimp and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst, around 5 minutes.
- Step 5: If using, pour in white wine and let it bubble for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
- Step 6: Return shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until heated through.
- Step 7: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top and squeeze lemon juice over the dish.
- Step 8: Serve immediately, ideally with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for quicker cooking and ease.
- If you prefer, swap white wine for chicken broth or skip it for a wine-free version.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a mild smoky flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can tolerate a quick reheat.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t steam.
What can I serve with garlic shrimp skillet?
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, steamed rice, or a simple pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
PrintGarlic Shrimp Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
This Garlic Shrimp Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy, garlicky shrimp paired with sweet bursting cherry tomatoes in a fragrant basil and lemon sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients for a delicious and fresh seafood meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Cooking Liquids and Fats
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil. Let it get hot to ensure a good sear on the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté garlic and butter: In the same pan, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add cherry tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to burst, releasing their juices and forming a sauce.
- Deglaze with wine: If using, pour in the white wine and let it bubble for about 1 minute. This will add acidity and depth to the sauce.
- Return shrimp and season: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes to your taste. Cook for an additional minute to meld flavors and heat through.
- Finish with basil and lemon: Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the dish and squeeze lemon juice on top for brightness.
- Serve: Serve the garlic shrimp skillet hot, optionally with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- The white wine is optional but adds nice acidity; substitute with chicken broth or skip if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to complement the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
Keywords: garlic shrimp, cherry tomatoes, skillet shrimp, quick seafood recipe, easy dinner, Mediterranean shrimp

