Light, flavorful, and bursting with fresh ingredients, this Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta is a quick and healthy dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Succulent shrimp, tender zucchini, and juicy tomatoes combine with fragrant garlic and basil to create a simple yet sophisticated dish. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe is satisfying and easy to make in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (about 227 grams) pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (about 450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp : Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables : In the same skillet, add the zucchini slices and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until just tender. Add the diced tomatoes, garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the mixture cook for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Vegetables : Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the mixture seems too dry, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Finish and Serve : Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Conclusion
This Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients and satisfying textures. The natural sweetness of shrimp pairs beautifully with the zucchini and tomatoes, while the basil and Parmesan add a final touch of richness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving a wholesome, homemade meal.
Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta
A quick and healthy pasta dish featuring tendershrimp, zucchini, tomatoes, and fragrant basil. A satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces about 227 grams pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound about 450 grams large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium zucchini sliced into thin rounds
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp : Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables : In the same skillet, add the zucchini slices and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until just tender. Add the diced tomatoes, garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the mixture cook for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Vegetables : Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the mixture seems too dry, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Finish and Serve : Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.