Pesto Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes

This 10 minute dish tastes like summer.

By
Coco Morante
Coco Morante
Coco Morante
Coco began developing recipes for Simply Recipes in 2016 and is the author of five cookbooks. She is an industry expert on Instant Pot cooking.
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Updated May 21, 2025
Coco Morante
5-Ingredient Pesto Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes in a Bowl Next to Cherry Tomatoes on a Vine

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

On the weeknights when I do not have the bandwidth for much cooking at all, I turn to recipes like this one. It takes less than 10 minutes to make (!!) and requires just a handful of ingredients. 

Shrimp and pesto is such a good combination, and cherry tomatoes add pops of summer flavor and vibrant color. They’re actually the only ingredient requiring chopping in this recipe—everything else just goes straight into the skillet. A few fresh basil leaves on top are a great addition if you have some around, too. 

Store-Bought Pesto Equals Easy Weeknight Cooking

There are so many store-bought options for pesto that you’re bound to have a favorite. Mine is from Trader Joe’s, found in the refrigerated section near all of the other sauces and dips. They also have a shelf-stable pesto, but it’s got far less fresh herbal flavor. As a general rule, I find that refrigerated pestos are the best ones to buy from any store.

Lots of other store-bought sauces will also work well in place of pesto. If you’re a fan of olives, substitute tapenade. For a tangy herby option with a bit of spice, use chimichurri. For a tomato-y twist, go with sun-dried tomato pesto, pesto alla Trapanese or Romesco sauce. Even a little jarred (or homemade) marinara and an extra splash of olive oil will give you a tasty result. 

5-Ingredient Pesto Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes in a Bowl, and in the Background, a Tray of Garlic Bread and Cherry Tomatoes

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Garlic Bread Makes the Meal

I like to toast up some very simple garlic bread while the shrimp are cooking in order to make this a full meal. I simply slice a baguette, lay out all of the slices on my toaster oven baking sheet, and let them go until they have a little golden brown color. Once they’re toasted, I rub each slice with a raw garlic clove, then drizzle on some olive oil. You can add a little flaky salt or Parmesan cheese if you like.

And that’s it! Dinner is ready. Time to enjoy a glass of white wine alongside this meal and feel the summery vibes. 

Meals With 5-Ingredients or Less

Pesto Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes

Prep Time 7 mins
Cook Time 3 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Servings 3 to 4 servings
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound 21 to 30-count (jumbo) shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1/4 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)

  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

  • Basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

  • French bread or garlic bread, for serving (optional)

Method

  1. Cook the shrimp:

    Season the shrimp all over with the garlic salt. 

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp. Let them sear on one side for about 1 minute, then flip them over and let sear on the other side for about 1 more minute, or until they’re pink and opaque all the way through, with a firm but tender texture. Turn off the heat.

    Shrimp in the Stainless Steel Pan on the Stove for 5-Ingredient Shrimp Pesto With Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. Shrimp Facing Pan Is Pink.

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
    Cooked Shrimp in the Stainless Steel Pan on the Gas Stove for Pesto Shrimp With Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
  2. Finish the dish:

    Add the pesto and toss to combine. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with cherry tomatoes and basil, and serve right away with French bread or garlic bread on the side. 

    Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I actually enjoy the leftover shrimp cold from the fridge!

    Did you love this recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!

    Pesto Shrimp in the Stainless Steel Pan With a Metal Spatula

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
    5-Ingredient Pesto Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes in a Bowl, and in the Background, a Tray of Garlic Bread and Cherry Tomatoes

    Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
286 Calories
15g Fat
10g Carbs
28g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories 286
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 3g 13%
Cholesterol 239mg 80%
Sodium 1169mg 51%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 28g
Vitamin C 3mg 13%
Calcium 157mg 12%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 371mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.