There’s something about shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce that just hits the spot. It’s bold, flavorful, and comes together in no time—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.
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The shrimp soak up the garlicky goodness, while the tomato sauce adds a deep, savory richness that makes every bite irresistible. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!
Now, let’s talk about why this dish is a winner.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce
Fast & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy nights.
Packed with Flavor
Garlic, tomatoes, and shrimp create a combination that’s simple but absolutely mouthwatering.
Versatile
Serve it over pasta, rice, or even as a dip with bread—it works any way you like!
Healthy & Light
Low in carbs and high in protein, this dish is a great option if you’re looking for something wholesome and satisfying.
Restaurant-Quality at Home
You get that fancy seafood-restaurant taste without the hefty price tag.
Ingredients in Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce
Shrimp
Plump, juicy shrimp soak up all the garlicky goodness—fresh or frozen both work!
Garlic
The star of the show, giving this dish its bold and aromatic kick.
Tomatoes
A rich, slightly tangy base that balances beautifully with the shrimp.
Olive Oil
Adds depth and helps bring out the flavors in the garlic and tomatoes.
Butter
A little bit of butter makes the sauce silky and extra flavorful.
Onions
Adds sweetness and enhances the overall depth of the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes
For a little heat—adjust to your spice preference!
White Wine (Optional)
Adds a lovely complexity to the sauce. If you don’t have it, you can use broth instead.
Fresh Herbs
Parsley or basil gives the dish a fresh, vibrant finish.
Seasonings
A mix of salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika ties everything together.
Instructions
Preheat Your Pan
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This helps the garlic and onions cook evenly.
Sauté the Garlic and Onions
Add the onions first, cooking until soft. Then stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
Deglaze with Wine (Optional)
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
Add the Tomatoes
Stir in the tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook until pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Finish with Butter and Herbs
Stir in butter and fresh herbs for a silky, flavorful finish.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce
Over Pasta
Toss it with spaghetti or linguine for a classic seafood pasta dish.
With Rice
A great option for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
With Crusty Bread
Perfect for scooping up every last drop of garlicky tomato goodness.
As a Topping
Spoon it over grilled vegetables or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
They cook fast! As soon as they turn pink, they’re done.
Use High-Quality Tomatoes
Good canned tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes make a big difference in flavor.
Make It Dairy-Free
Skip the butter or swap it for a dairy-free alternative.
Adjust the Spice Level
Add more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy, or omit them for a milder version.
Meal Prep Friendly
Make the sauce ahead of time and just add shrimp when ready to serve.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just thaw them first and pat them dry before cooking.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: The sauce can be made ahead, but shrimp are best cooked fresh.
Q3: What type of tomatoes should I use?
A3: Crushed canned tomatoes or ripe fresh tomatoes both work well.
Q4: Can I use a different protein?
A4: Absolutely! Chicken or scallops would be great substitutes.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: The sauce freezes well, but shrimp can become rubbery—best to add fresh shrimp when reheating.
Q7: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A7: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep the shrimp tender.
Q8: Can I add vegetables?
A8: Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions.
Q9: Can I make this without wine?
A9: Yes! Use chicken broth or seafood stock instead.
Q10: How do I thicken the sauce?
A10: Let it simmer longer or add a small amount of tomato paste.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. It’s bursting with flavor, comes together quickly, and works for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a dish to impress guests.
Print
Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s gluten-free, paleo, and low-carb! Made with just 5 simple ingredients, this one-pan shrimp recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 tomatoes, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Tomatoes: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add chopped tomatoes, cover with a lid, and let simmer for 4-5 minutes until they break down into a sauce.
- Add Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Season & Finish: Add garlic, fresh dill, and the remaining olive oil, stirring well to combine.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, optionally with a side of cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Paleo & Keto-Friendly: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- More Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of paprika for extra depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 210mg