Imagine a plate that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with every single bite - a vibrant, quick-to-prepare dish that promises restaurant-quality flavor in just 25 minutes! This Shrimp and Pasta with Vegetables isn't just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds, impress your dinner guests, and make weeknight cooking feel like a gourmet experience. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 sliced zucchini, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 2 tbsp of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the shrimp to the other side. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, combine them with the vegetables in the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Always buy fresh, high-quality shrimp and ensure they're properly peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overcook the shrimp - they should turn pink and opaque, which typically takes only 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy nature helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta and vegetables.
- Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and easy tossing of ingredients.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the dish a personal touch.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the final presentation and add a burst of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 200mg
