Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a restaurant-quality dish made at home in under 30 minutes. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce, tossed with al dente pasta, and complemented by the burst of sweetness from cherry tomatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is a beautiful balance of indulgence and freshness. The garlic butter sauce coats every strand of pasta, while the shrimp provide a lean protein that’s quick to cook. The cherry tomatoes add vibrant color and flavor, making it as appealing visually as it is delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti or linguine
• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
2. Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink; remove and set aside.
4. Add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
5. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, 3–4 minutes.
6. Return shrimp to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss with lemon juice and parsley.
7. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Add baby spinach or arugula for extra greens.
• Replace shrimp with scallops or chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.

What pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair are ideal for this sauce.

Can I make it without butter?

Yes, but butter adds richness — you can replace it with olive oil.

Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry?

Yes, both work well.

How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?

Cook just until they turn pink and opaque; they’ll finish cooking when tossed with pasta.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.

Can I prepare it ahead?

It’s best made fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance.

Does it freeze well?

No, shrimp and tomatoes don’t hold texture after freezing.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, Parmesan is a great finishing touch.

Is this dish dairy-free?

Replace butter with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is an elegant, quick-to-make meal that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.

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