The 5-Ingredient Shrimp Skillet Dinner You’ll Make on Repeat

Ready in just 20 minutes, it tastes like it took an hour.

By
Julia Levy
Julia Levy
Julia Levy is a recipe developer and tester in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She recieved her A.A. in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in 2011 and her B.A. in Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University in 2013. Her journey in professional kitchens include working in several clean-eating kitchens,
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and
Sara Bir
Sara Bir
Sara is a chef, culinary educator, and author of three cookbooks, The Pocket Pawpaw Cookbook, Tasting Ohio and The Fruit Forager's Companion. The latter won a 2019 IACP Cookbook Award.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Published October 24, 2023
Close-up: plate of creamy skillet shrimp with corn, pancetta, and tomatoes on a white and red table napkin

Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster

We’ve all been there–it’s the height of summer, the kids have been carted to and from camp, and you’re ready to just have dinner on the table so you can enjoy the sunset on the porch with a glass of ice-cold Arnold Palmer. Enter this creamy skillet shrimp: featuring peak summer corn and tomatoes, and some fresh shrimp; you’ll be thrilled at both the short ingredient list (just 5 ingredients!) and the ease of preparation (one skillet!). 

This quick seafood supper features beautifully seared plump shrimp, sweet corn, and tomatoes dressed in cream and peppery pancetta. For a little something extra, the shrimp cooks in rendered pancetta fat. 

How To Prevent the Shrimp From Overcooking

Some might find removing something from a skillet annoying or “fussy,” but it’s essential in this dish for having plump, succulent shrimp instead of dry, rubbery shrimp-flavored discs. Pull them from the skillet just after they finish cooking and add them back to warm through once the vegetables are finished cooking. It'll make a world of difference.

Plate of creamy skillet shrimp with corn, pancetta, and tomatoes at a table setting with a glass of water, a white and red table napkin on the counter, and a bowl of basil

Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster

Corn: Use Frozen or Fresh

While fresh corn is unparalleled in the summer, frozen is quicker, easier, and honestly still pretty darn delicious. The frozen corn doesn’t have to be thawed for this recipe–just throw it in straight from the freezer and let the ice evaporate immediately. When using fresh corn, however, don’t cut too far into the cob when shucking; it will be bitter instead of the desired sweet. 

Simple Tip!

If using fresh corn, “milk” the cobs after removing the kernels by scraping then with the back of your knife. Add to the pan in Step 4 for an extra-creamy, corny upgrade.

Swaps and Substitutions

Weeknight recipes often need swaps to avoid a last-minute, very inconvenient run to the grocery store. 

  • Gor for scallops instead of shrimp
  • Throw some fresh basil or thyme in the vegetable mixture
  • Use bacon instead of pancetta
Skillet with roasted tomatoes and corn in a cream sauce next to a plate of stir-fried shrimp, a small bowl of pancetta, and a small bowl of basil leaves, all sitting on the counter

Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster

Shoot for No Leftovers

As with most seafood dishes, this recipe is best served and eaten as soon as it’s made, as seafood does not reheat well. If you want to make less, halve the recipe for two servings.

If you do end up with leftovers, store them in a covered container in the fridge for up to three days. In the same vein, this should not be made ahead of time. 

More Creamy Mains

Creamy Skillet Shrimp with Corn, Pancetta, and Tomatoes

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 (4-ounce) package diced pancetta

  • 1 1/4 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 4 ears)

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • Fresh basil leaves, for serving (optional)

Method

  1. Cook the pancetta:

    Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; add the pancetta and cook, stirring often, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve the drippings in the skillet.

    Diced pancetta cooked on a skillet for Creamy Skillet Shrimp with Corn, Pancetta, and Tomatoes recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster
  2. Cook the shrimp:

    Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the drippings in the skillet. Cook, flipping once, until opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a medium bowl and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.

    Shrimp cooked ina skillet for Creamy Skillet Shrimp with Corn, Pancetta, and Tomatoes recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster
  3. Cook the vegetables:

    Without wiping the skillet clean, add the tomatoes; cook over medium-high heat, stirring and shaking the pan occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to burst, about 3 minutes. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes.

    Tomatoes roasted on a skillet for Creamy Skillet Shrimp with Corn, Pancetta, and Tomatoes recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster
    Corn kernels added to skillet with tomatoes for Shrimp with Corn, Pancetta, and Tomatoes stir-fry recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster
  4. Finish the dish:

    Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve with shrimp and sprinkle with pancetta and fresh basil, if using.

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a review below!

    Heavy cream added to skillet with roasted tomatoes and corn kernels for Creamy Skillet Shrimp with Corn, Pancetta, and Tomatoes recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster
    Creamy Skillet Shrimp with Corn, Pancetta, and Tomatoes on a plate

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster
    Plate of creamy skillet shrimp with corn, pancetta, and tomatoes at a table setting with another serving on a plate, a glass of water, utensils and a white and red table napkin on the counter, and a bowl of basil

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
390 Calories
28g Fat
30g Carbs
10g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 390
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 28g 36%
Saturated Fat 13g 63%
Cholesterol 68mg 23%
Sodium 325mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 5g 16%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 27mg 134%
Calcium 46mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 691mg 15%
*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.