Quick & Easy Tomato Basil Shrimp: A Flavorful Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Dinner

In the quest for effortless yet incredibly satisfying meals, this **Tomato Basil Shrimp recipe** stands out as a true weeknight champion. Imagine coming home after a long, demanding day, and in just 15 minutes, you can have a gourmet-quality dinner on your table. This dish isn’t just fast; it’s a vibrant explosion of fresh flavors, combining succulent shrimp with sweet, juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil. What makes it even better is its versatility and health benefits: it’s naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences without compromising on taste. If you’re a true shrimp enthusiast, be warned – this recipe might just become your new obsession, destined to be made at least once a week.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Tomato Basil Shrimp Recipe

This isn’t just another shrimp recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for convenience and flavor. Here’s why this **easy tomato basil shrimp** will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

Lightning-Fast Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time, you can have a wholesome, delicious meal ready in a quarter of an hour. Perfect for those busy evenings when time is of the essence.
Healthy & Dietary Friendly: This dish naturally aligns with several popular dietary needs. It’s **low-carb**, **keto-friendly**, and **gluten-free**, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without feeling deprived.
Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and pungent garlic creates a sauce that perfectly complements the tender shrimp. Every bite is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients.
Incredibly Versatile: While phenomenal on its own, this tomato basil shrimp can be adapted to suit any craving. Serve it with a crisp side salad and steamed green beans for a light, healthy meal, or indulge with garlic bread, pasta, or fluffy white rice for a more substantial dinner.
Minimal Cleanup: A one-pan (or one-pot) wonder means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your evening.

The Stars of the Show: Key Ingredients for Perfect Flavor

The secret to truly exceptional **tomato basil shrimp** lies in the quality and freshness of your ingredients. While this recipe is incredibly simple, choosing the right components elevates it from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Succulent Shrimp: The heart of the dish! Opt for fresh or good quality frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined for convenience). Medium to large shrimp work best, as they cook quickly and remain tender. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting your sauce.
Variety of Tomatoes: We use a dynamic duo here:
- Grape Tomatoes: These small, sweet gems burst with flavor when gently cooked, adding a delightful freshness and vibrant color to the sauce. Slicing them lengthwise helps them release their juices and integrate better.
- Diced Tomatoes (Canned): A 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes forms the robust, rich base of our sauce. They bring a deep tomato flavor and body, ensuring your shrimp is coated in a luscious, savory sauce. Look for fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Garlic, Glorious Garlic: The original recipe says “lots,” and we agree! Freshly minced garlic is absolutely essential here. It infuses the entire dish with its pungent, aromatic notes. Avoid pre-minced garlic in a jar if possible, as it often lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh cloves.
Fresh Basil Leaves: This herb is non-negotiable for “tomato basil shrimp.” Its sweet, peppery, slightly minty aroma is what defines this classic flavor combination. Roughly chop or chiffonade (slice into thin ribbons) the fresh leaves just before adding them to preserve their delicate flavor.
A Touch of Spice: Red crushed pepper (red pepper flakes) adds a gentle warmth and subtle kick that beautifully balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the garlic. Adjust the amount to your personal spice preference.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning provides a convenient way to add complex, savory depth to your tomato sauce.
Salt and Pepper: These foundational seasonings are crucial for bringing out all the other flavors. Season generously, tasting as you go.

By focusing on these fresh, high-quality ingredients, you’re setting yourself up for a truly spectacular meal with minimal effort.

Serving Suggestions for Your Tomato Basil Shrimp

One of the best qualities of this **quick tomato basil shrimp** is its incredible adaptability. Depending on your mood or dietary goals, you can serve it in various delightful ways:

Low-Carb & Keto Options:
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): A fantastic pasta alternative that perfectly soaks up the flavorful sauce.
- Cauliflower Rice: Light, fluffy, and a great base to serve the shrimp and sauce over.
- Fresh Side Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli lightly steamed make excellent healthy companions.
Classic Comfort Pairings:
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Ciabatta: Ideal for soaking up every last drop of the delicious tomato and basil sauce.
- Pasta: Linguine, spaghetti, or even a short pasta like penne or rotini are classic choices that meld beautifully with the shrimp and sauce.
- Fluffy White Rice: A simple and comforting accompaniment that lets the shrimp and sauce shine.
- Creamy Polenta: For a richer, more rustic Italian feel, soft polenta provides a delightful base.
Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light Rosé would beautifully complement the fresh, bright flavors of the dish.

More Easy Meal Ideas to Explore

If you love the simplicity and flavor of this tomato basil shrimp, you’ll definitely want to check out these other easy and delicious recipes from Julie Maestre:

Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Avocado Chicken Salad

5 from 4 votes

Tomato and Basil Shrimp

By Julie Maestre

This quick and easy tomato and basil shrimp recipe is a fantastic way to kick off your busy week or enjoy any day you need a fast, flavorful meal.

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 10 minutes

Total: 15 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

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Ingredients

▢ 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
▢ 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced lengthwise
▢ 28 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
▢ 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (or more to taste!)
▢ 5-7 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or chiffonade
▢ 1 tsp red crushed pepper (adjust to taste)
▢ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
▢ Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
▢ 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sliced grape tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and slightly burst.
Season the softening tomatoes generously with salt and pepper to taste. This helps draw out their natural sweetness.
Stir in the minced fresh garlic and red crushed pepper. Cook for an additional 20-30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the entire can of diced tomatoes (including their juice), Italian seasoning, and most of the fresh basil (reserve a few leaves for garnish). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
While the sauce simmers, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper. This ensures they cook evenly and helps prevent a watery sauce.
Add the seasoned shrimp directly to the simmering tomato basil sauce. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the shrimp are fully cooked through and turn opaque pink. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery very quickly.
Do a final taste test for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Garnish with the reserved fresh basil leaves and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Course: Main Entree

Cuisine: Italian American

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 328

Keyword: Tomato and Basil Shrimp

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Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Shrimp

Achieving perfectly cooked, flavor-packed **tomato basil shrimp** is easy with a few simple tips:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the golden rule for cooking shrimp. They cook very quickly, usually turning opaque pink in just 2-3 minutes per side, or 4-5 minutes when added to a hot sauce. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are fully cooked.
Pat Shrimp Dry: Before adding shrimp to the pan, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely and prevents excess moisture from diluting your delicious sauce.
Use Fresh Ingredients: As emphasized, fresh garlic and fresh basil make a world of difference in this recipe. Their vibrant flavors are key to the dish’s success.
Adjust Spice Level: The amount of red crushed pepper can be easily customized. If you love heat, add a little extra; if you prefer it mild, reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before adding the shrimp and again just before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed to suit your palate. Remember that canned tomatoes can vary in sodium content.
Let Flavors Marry: While this recipe is quick, allowing the tomato sauce to simmer for the full 5 minutes helps the garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomatoes to truly meld into a harmonious flavor base.

Storage and Reheating

This **tomato basil shrimp** is best enjoyed fresh, right off the stove. However, if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage: Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat the shrimp and sauce on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Be careful not to reheat too quickly or at too high a temperature, as this can cause the shrimp to become tough and rubbery. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing: While technically possible, freezing shrimp in sauce is not recommended as shrimp tends to change texture and become mushy or rubbery upon thawing and reheating. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Basil Shrimp

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this delicious shrimp dish:

Can I use frozen shrimp?: Absolutely! Most home cooks use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is overnight in the refrigerator or by placing the sealed bag of shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Always pat them dry before adding to the pan.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?: While fresh basil offers the best flavor, you can substitute with dried basil. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried basil as fresh, as dried herbs are more potent. Add it along with the Italian seasoning to give it time to rehydrate and release its flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?: Yes, this recipe is very forgiving! Spinach, bell peppers (red or yellow for sweetness), or even thinly sliced zucchini would be delicious additions. Add harder vegetables like bell peppers with the grape tomatoes, and tender greens like spinach can be stirred in at the very end to wilt.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked through?: Shrimp is cooked when it turns opaque pink and curls slightly into a “C” shape. If it forms a tight “O” shape, it’s likely overcooked. If it’s still translucent, it needs a little more time.
Is this recipe spicy?: The recipe calls for 1 tsp of red crushed pepper, which gives it a mild-to-medium kick. You can easily adjust this to your preference. Omit it for no heat, or add more for extra spice.
Can I make this dairy-free?: Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free! No dairy ingredients are used, making it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or allergies.

This **Tomato Basil Shrimp** is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when fresh and combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re adhering to a low-carb diet or simply craving a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts. So, gather your fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and plump shrimp, and get ready to create a dish that’s sure to impress with minimal effort. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your culinary creations!