Dinner · Pasta · Seafood · Italian-American

Shrimp Linguine With Burst Cherry Tomatoes

This vibrant shrimp linguine features succulent seafood tossed in a silky pan sauce made from sweet burst cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic.

4.7(224 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Shrimp Linguine With Burst Cherry Tomatoes — Italian-American Dinner served and photographed from above
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Initial Prep

  1. 1

    Pasta Setup

    Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.

    Tip: The water should taste like the sea to properly season the noodles.

  2. 2

    Shrimp Seasoning

    Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

    Tip: Dry shrimp sear better than wet ones.

How to Make Shrimp Linguine With Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Total time: 25 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Cook the Linguine

    Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook for about 8 to 9 minutes, or until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Sear the Shrimp

    While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

  3. 3

    Burst the Tomatoes

    In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and the butter. Once the butter melts, add the sliced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they blister and begin to release their juices.

  4. 4

    Deglaze and Simmer

    Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce by half, then stir in the lemon juice.

  5. 5

    Combine and Toss

    Add the cooked linguine and the seared shrimp back into the skillet. Pour in half of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously over medium heat for 1 minute so the starch emulsifies with the tomato juices and oil to coat the pasta.

  6. 6

    Final Seasoning

    Remove from heat. Fold in the lemon zest and fresh basil. If the pasta seems dry, add the remaining pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Taste and add extra salt or red pepper if desired.

Chef's Tips

  • Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, as it makes up a significant part of the sauce flavor.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp in the first step, as they will finish warming through when tossed with the hot pasta.
  • If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken stock or additional pasta water and a squeeze of extra lemon.

What to Serve with Shrimp Linguine With Burst Cherry Tomatoes

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve immediately in warmed shallow bowls.
  • Provide extra lemon wedges on the side for guests who prefer more acidity.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Spinach Addition: Fold in two cups of baby spinach during the last minute of cooking for extra greens.

Variation

Creamy Version: Stir in 60 ml of heavy cream after deglazing with the wine for a richer sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this shrimp linguine?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels before searing to prevent steaming.

What is the best pasta substitute for linguine?

Fettuccine or spaghetti are the best substitutes. If you want a smaller shape, fusilli works well as the twists catch the tomato juices.

How do I make the tomatoes burst faster?

Cover the skillet with a lid for 2 minutes while cooking the tomatoes; the trapped steam softens the skins quickly.

Is shrimp linguine healthy?

This version is relatively light as it relies on heart-healthy olive oil and fresh vegetables rather than a heavy cream-based sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the butter and the optional Parmesan cheese, and increase the olive oil by one tablespoon.

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