Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce Delivers a 30-Minute Irresistible Weeknight Dinner.

Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce has become my go-to weeknight hero. I’m a chef who believes dinner should be flavorful and fast. I created this skillet-sizzler that comes together in about 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp simmer in a garlicky, bright tomato sauce with onion, paprika, red pepper, and lemon. The result has sparkle and simplicity for a busy calendar. This dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining, pairing beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free by nature, and scalable for a crowd. Read on to make it your own and invite comfort to weeknights.

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What makes this Recipe special

Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce is my weeknight confidant. I designed it to be flavorful, fast, and forgiving. When time slips away, this skillet pulls dinner into focus. The cherry on top is how it tastes like a cozy, restaurant-worthy moment without the stress. It scales from a solo supper to a crowd-friendly feast in minutes.

Bold garlic, lemon brightness, and tomato warmth come together in a bright sauce. Shrimp relax into the pan, catching notes without drying out. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, yet deeply satisfying. I love pairing it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for comfort. Plus, it fits busy schedules, because the skillet does the lifting.

Ingredients

For Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce, I keep these staples close. They come together quickly and flavor blooms. Exact quantities are listed at the bottom for printing.

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined — keeps the meat juicy and cooks quickly, even on busy nights.
• 2 tbsp olive oil — the smooth base for sautéing.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced — releases aroma while staying bright and tasty.
• 1 small onion, finely diced — adds sweetness and depth, balancing tangy tomato.
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz) — provides bright, tangy tomato sauce for a flavorful base.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste — deepens color, body, and savor.
• ½ tsp paprika — subtle warmth and depth.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) — heat level control, easy to dial back.
• ½ tsp black pepper — classic seasoning kick.
• Salt, to taste — balance acidity and seasoning.
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice — brightens the sauce.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped — finishing herby note that smells amazing.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Prep and season

Pat the shrimp dry. I do this to ensure a good sear.

This helps them stay juicy when cooked.

Lightly season with salt and pepper.

Set the shrimp aside while you prep the rest.

For best texture, I pat dry again after seasoning.

Keep seasoning light; the sauce will carry the profile.

Tip: if space is tight, dry and season in batches.

I love how this Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce starts with clean, dry shrimp for perfect, quick searing.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Then I add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.

Stir in garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.

If the onions brown too fast, lower the heat a touch.

Let the aromatics mingle; they’re the flavor base for the dish.

It’s the Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce moment I crave on busy evenings.

Step 3: Build the sauce

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Simmer the sauce 8–10 minutes until slightly thick and glossy.

Sauce should brighten with a touch of acidity, not scorch.

If it thickens too quickly, splash in a little water.

Keep stirring occasionally to blend flavors and prevent sticking.

While it simmers, I taste and adjust a pinch of salt to balance acidity.

Step 4: Finish the dish

Add shrimp to the sauce and cook 3–4 minutes, turning once, until pink and opaque.

Remove from heat, then stir in lemon juice and parsley.

Taste for salt and adjust as needed; tomato bases vary.

Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread and a lemon wedge.

Garnish with a little extra parsley for color and aroma.

Tips for Success

• Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure a superb sear and juicy texture.
• Watch the garlic closely to prevent burning; add it after the onions to keep bright aroma.
• If you like even milder heat, omit the red pepper flakes and let flavors bloom slowly.
• Taste and adjust salt at the end, because tomato bases vary in saltiness more than you’d think, really.
• Make the sauce ahead and hold shrimp until serving time for ultra-fast weeknights with texture.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan (your workhorse for browning and simmering)
• Spatula or wooden spoon (for easy stirring and turning shrimp)
• Can opener (for tomatoes) or a small knife to open the can
• Measuring spoons and a microplane or grater for lemon zest (optional)
• Optional: heat-safe lid for quick simmer or to rest shrimp after cooking

Variations

• For Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce, swap large shrimp for chopped bay scallops or diced chicken to change texture and keep the dish exciting.
• Use canned crushed tomatoes with a pinch of crushed red pepper to make a spicier version that wakes up the taste buds.
• Omit dairy by keeping the sauce entirely tomato-based and serve over gluten-free pasta or grain for an easy, friendly option.
• Stir in a splash of white wine after sautéing onions to brighten the sauce and add a nuanced, elegant note.
• Finish with fresh basil instead of parsley for a sweeter, fragrant aroma and a different herb lift.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce

I designed Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce to deliver chef-worthy flavor fast.
On busy nights, it saves me from the takeout trap without sacrificing depth.
Garlic, lemon, and a bright tomato base cling to shrimp like a hug.

It shines over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making weeknights feel special.
And because it’s gluten-free and dairy-free by nature, it’s inclusive.
I love how flexible it is for leftovers, crowds, or a quick lunch redo.

Serving Suggestions

I love presenting Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce in a way that feels special, yet effortless for busy days. Here are simple ideas to finish the dish with flair.

• Serve over al dente pasta, garlic butter rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a lemon twist for a light, bright finish.
• Garnish with extra parsley or a light squeeze of lemon for a fresh finish.

Make It Your Own: Quick Weeknight Twists with Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce

Turn Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce into a meal-prep winner by making the sauce ahead and freezing the shrimp separately. This keeps weeknights simple and fresh-tasting.

For a lighter version, use half the oil and bulk up with mushrooms and bell peppers.

To stretch it for a crowd, double the sauce and serve with a big batch of pasta or rice.

Add a splash of capers for a briny contrast, or finish with a drizzle of chili oil for a comforting kick.

The flexibility keeps dinners fast, flavorful, and great for leftovers or last-minute lunches. I often prep the sauce Saturday, then reheat with shrimp on busy weeknights, and it feels like a secret superpower in the kitchen.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? A: Yes, thaw fully and pat dry; this keeps Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce juicy and cooks evenly.

Q2: Is this dish spicy? A: It can be spicy; omit the flakes for a milder Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce.

Q3: Can I make the sauce ahead? A: Yes, make the Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce first; refrigerate, then reheat gently and add shrimp.

Q4: Is this gluten-free? A: Yes, Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce is naturally gluten-free with gluten-free pasta, rice, or bread.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce feels like a kitchen hug.

I love the garlic perfume rising as the sauce thickens.

The shrimp curl into pink, juicy crescents that taste like sunshine.

It turns a rushed evening into a small celebration.

I appreciate how this dish travels from stovetop to table without drama.

It dazzles guests with little effort, yet keeps leftovers tasty for lunch.

When I’m juggling meetings and appointments, this skillet shows comfort can be fast.

It makes weeknights feel manageable and truly delicious.

Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, keeping the kitchen calm for tomorrow.

I love sharing it.

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