Tomato Shrimp Scampi

Fresh, fast, and full of flavor, this Tomato Shrimp Scampi is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Juicy shrimp, golden garlic, and sweet yellow tomatoes come together in just 20 minutes, creating a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal that pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a chilled glass of white wine.

Recipe Overview

Yield: Serves 4 as a meal or 6 as an appetizer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on*
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomatoes (I used yellow tomatoes from a large summer harvest) other options are cherry tomatoes halved, or large tomatoes cored and quartered
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for finishing)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for finishing)

Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp.
   Pat shrimp dry and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
2. Sauté tomatoes and garlic.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add tomatoes and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Add butter and shrimp.
   Add butter to the pan and swirl until melted. Add the shrimp and cook about 1 minute per side until the shrimp start to turn pink.
4. Finish and season.
   Continue cooking for 1–2 more minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the tomatoes are tender. Remove from heat. Stir in chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve and enjoy.
   Serve immediately with rice, crusty bread, or pasta. For a heartier meal, double the sauce to coat your noodles or grains.

Tips & Ideas

• Shrimp: Frozen shrimp works just as well as fresh; most “fresh” shrimp in stores have been previously frozen. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Butter swap: Try using ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
• Add a kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option
• Zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist
• Sourdough or multigrain bread to soak up the sauce

Pair with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for the perfect finish.