Description
This Fresh Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and colorful dish featuring juicy shrimp, tender zucchini, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all tossed with spaghetti in a light olive oil sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights, showcasing the best of seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside without rinsing.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the zucchini for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crunchy.
- Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. If desired, add red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until tomatoes start to burst.
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and stir gently to combine.
- Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet, mixing well to coat with the juices.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving.
- Divide among plates or bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Optionally, add extra basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for presentation.
Notes
- Shrimp: Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
- Zucchini: Yellow squash can be used for added color.
- Pasta: Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Herbs: Dried basil can be used in place of fresh, but fresh is recommended for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes