This tasty Easy Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta is a quick dish packed with colorful veggies and juicy shrimp. It’s light, fresh, and full of flavor with a simple tomato sauce!
I love how fast this meal comes together—just cook the pasta, sauté the shrimp, and toss in zucchini. Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend spaghetti for a classic feel, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love! Penne, fettuccine, or whole wheat pasta are great options if you prefer something different.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen works too! Just remember to thaw it before cooking. If you’re not a shrimp fan, cooked chicken or even canned chickpeas can be good substitutes!
Zucchini: This vegetable adds great freshness! If you don’t have zucchini, yellow squash or bell peppers are tasty alternatives. You can even throw in some broccoli for extra crunch!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a nice sweetness to the dish. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, use a regular tomato chopped up, or you could even use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp may seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! The key is not to overcook them. Follow these steps for juicy shrimp:
- Heat your oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer—avoid crowding the pan.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. If they curl too much, they’re overcooked!
- Remove them immediately to prevent further cooking.
Cooking shrimp takes just a few minutes, so have your ingredients ready to go. You’ll love how quick and tasty this dish turns out!
Easy Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced or chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish requires about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy meal that takes only about 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or your favorite pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Then, add the zucchini and cherry tomatoes, cooking for about 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the tomatoes are beginning to soften.
4. Combine Everything:
If you’re using spinach, stir it in now until it’s wilted. Next, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to combine and allow it to warm through for about a minute. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your delicious pasta dish and top it off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Feel free to garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your fresh, light, and flavorful Easy Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water. Once thawed, they can be cooked as directed!
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, yellow squash, bell peppers, or even broccoli are great substitutes! Just chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Pasta Vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the shrimp and bulk up the dish with more vegetables, like mushrooms or spinach, or add canned beans for protein. This dish will still be delicious and satisfying!
