Garlic Shrimp Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic shrimp skillet is fast, fresh, and full of flavor. The sweetness of blistered cherry tomatoes balances perfectly with the garlicky shrimp, creating a light but satisfying meal. It’s low in carbs, naturally gluten-free, and versatile enough to serve on its own, over pasta, or with crusty bread. With just a handful of simple ingredients and one skillet, cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Garlic (fresh, minced)
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to blister and release their juices.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and stir in fresh chopped parsley.
6. Serve immediately, spooning the garlicky tomato sauce over the shrimp.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 to 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add baby spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Stir in cooked pasta or serve over rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
• Swap shrimp for scallops or chunks of firm white fish.
• Add white wine or a splash of broth to the skillet for a light sauce.
• Top with crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until just heated through. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing due to texture changes in the shrimp and tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

What size shrimp should I use?

Medium to large shrimp work best for even cooking and a nice bite. Adjust cooking time based on size.

Do I need to peel the shrimp?

For convenience and ease of eating, peeled and deveined shrimp are recommended.

Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry?

Yes, grape tomatoes work just as well and offer a similar sweetness and texture.

How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque — about 2–3 minutes per side is usually enough.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced chili, or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

It’s delicious on its own, over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the garlic-tomato sauce.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and works well for a keto diet if served without bread or pasta.

Can I make this dairy-free?

The recipe is already dairy-free as written.

How do I make the sauce more flavorful?

Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine or lemon juice after cooking the garlic for added depth.

Conclusion

Garlic shrimp skillet with cherry tomatoes is a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly in one pan. With a simple ingredient list and big flavor payoff, it’s a great go-to for weeknight dinners, summer lunches, or anytime you need a satisfying dish in under 30 minutes. Serve it your favorite way and enjoy a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired meal that never disappoints.

Garlic Shrimp Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes

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Garlic Shrimp Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes is a quick and vibrant one-pan dish featuring tender shrimp, blistered cherry tomatoes, and a garlicky olive oil sauce. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, it’s perfect for a light dinner or an easy appetizer.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 to 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until blistered and softened.
4. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Remove from heat, drizzle with lemon juice, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
6. Serve immediately with the garlicky tomato sauce spooned over the shrimp.

Notes

• Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Use grape tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
• A splash of white wine or broth can be added for extra sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 170mg