Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked fettuccine, adorned with succulent shrimp and tender zucchini, creating a symphony of flavors that transports you straight to the Italian coastline. This mouthwatering recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines the freshness of seafood, the richness of pasta, and the vibrant touch of vegetables in one extraordinary dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettucine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of fettucine, 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 medium zucchini sliced into thin rounds, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Have some Parmesan cheese ready for serving.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the fettucine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Next, add the shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Once the fettucine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained fettucine directly to the skillet with the shrimp and zucchini. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- To serve, divide the fettucine with shrimp and zucchini among four plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy your delicious Italian dish!
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the shrimp—they should be pink and opaque, which typically takes only 3-4 minutes.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and easy tossing of ingredients.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and aroma.
- For extra zest, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier version, sprinkle some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 462kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
