Tomato Basil Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce: A Quick & Flavorful Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal? This Tomato Basil Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect answer! It’s bursting with fresh flavors, incredibly quick to prepare, and guaranteed to impress. Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, infused with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the fragrant aroma of fresh basil. Served over pasta, rice, or even with crusty bread for dipping, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also highly adaptable. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or swap out the basil for oregano if you prefer. The possibilities are endless!

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Shrimp Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, tomatoes, and basil creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread.
• Impressive: Looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish, but without the hassle.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined. I prefer using jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound) for a more substantial bite, but any size will work. Ensure the shrimp are properly cleaned and the veins removed. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure a good sear.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the sauce. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of salt you add later.
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is crucial for the best flavor. Don’t use garlic powder as it won’t provide the same aromatic intensity.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity. You can also use grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
• Dry White Wine: 1/4 cup (optional). A splash of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds depth of flavor and helps to deglaze the pan. If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped. Fresh basil is essential for the signature flavor of this dish. Don’t substitute dried basil as it doesn’t have the same vibrant aroma and taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. Used for sautéing the garlic and tomatoes.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and adds a touch of acidity.
• Pasta/Rice/Bread: For serving. Cook your favorite pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well) according to package directions. Rice or crusty bread are also great options.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Tomato Basil Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear and preventing them from steaming in the pan. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and release their juices.
3. Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to the sauce. Let the wine reduce slightly for a minute or two.
4. Add the Butter and Shrimp: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using). Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.
5. Stir in the Basil and Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and lemon juice. The heat from the sauce will wilt the basil slightly, releasing its fragrant aroma.
6. Serve: Serve the Tomato Basil Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce immediately over your favorite pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with extra fresh basil, if desired.

Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Shrimp

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, basil, and ripe tomatoes are essential for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Use a Large Skillet: A large skillet will allow the shrimp to cook evenly and prevent overcrowding.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately while the shrimp are still tender and the sauce is warm.

Variations and Additions

• Spicy Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Creamy Shrimp: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamier sauce.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the skillet along with the tomatoes.
• Lemon Pepper Shrimp: Add a pinch of lemon pepper seasoning to the shrimp before cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Tomato Basil Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Over Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
• With Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• As an Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy dipping.
• In Tacos or Wraps: Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos or wraps.

Make Ahead Tips

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time to save time:

• Chop the Vegetables: Chop the garlic, tomatoes, and basil ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
• Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
• Make the Sauce Base: You can sauté the garlic and tomatoes ahead of time and store the sauce base in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply add the wine (if using), butter, and shrimp.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Tomato Basil Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.

Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

 **Tomato Basil Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce**

 **Yields:** 4 servings
 **Prep time:** 10 minutes
 **Cook time:** 15 minutes

 **Ingredients:**

 * 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
 * 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
 * 6 cloves garlic, minced
 * 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
 * 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
 * 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
 * 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
 * Salt and black pepper to taste
 * 1 tablespoon olive oil
 * 1 tablespoon lemon juice
 * Pasta, rice, or bread for serving

 **Instructions:**

 1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
 3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
 4. If using wine, deglaze the pan by pouring it in and scraping up browned bits. Reduce slightly.
 5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and red pepper flakes (if using). Let butter melt.
 6. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
 7. Remove from heat. Stir in basil and lemon juice.
 8. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with bread.

 **Notes:**

 * Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
 * Don't overcook the shrimp.
 * Adjust seasoning to your liking.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, without pasta/rice)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Enjoy!

We hope you enjoy this quick and flavorful Tomato Basil Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce recipe! It’s a perfect dish for any occasion. Let us know in the comments below how it turned out for you!