Mediterranean Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini and Tomatoes
This Mediterranean twist on classic shrimp scampi is light, fresh, and full of flavor. Tender shrimp are sautéed with zucchini and cherry tomatoes in a garlicky olive oil sauce, tossed with spaghetti, and finished with fresh basil and parsley. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that comes together in just half an hour.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Ingredients
Protein & Pasta:
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or long pasta of choice
Vegetables:
1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Herbs & Aromatics:
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Sauce & Seasoning:
2–3 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of red chili flakes for heat
Instructions
Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain the rest.
Sauté shrimp:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Sauté 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook vegetables:
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Cook 4–5 minutes until zucchini is tender but still crisp, and tomatoes are slightly softened.
Combine pasta and shrimp:
Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss in cooked pasta.
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
Stir in fresh basil and parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Divide among plates. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Tips
Cooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually 2–3 minutes per side depending on size. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid rubberiness.
Pasta Water: Always reserve a small amount of pasta cooking water. Adding it to the skillet helps the olive oil and garlic coat the pasta evenly and creates a light, silky sauce.
Garlic: Sauté garlic on medium heat for just 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can overpower the dish.
Zucchini Texture: Slice zucchini evenly and avoid overcooking—it should remain slightly crisp to provide contrast with the tender shrimp.
Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil and parsley at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color. Adding them too early can cause them to wilt and lose aroma.
Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors.
Variations
Protein Alternatives: Swap shrimp for scallops, firm white fish, or even diced chicken breast for a different protein option.
Vegetable Mix: Add bell peppers, asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the garlic while sautéing for a subtle heat.
Creamy Version: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the dish light.
Cheesy Addition: Top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a savory, salty finish.
&AQ
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
Q: Can it be prepared ahead of time?
A: Shrimp is best cooked fresh, but you can prep vegetables and cook pasta ahead. Toss together just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Not recommended—the zucchini and tomatoes may become watery and mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition Breakdown
(per serving, approx. 3 servings)
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini and Tomatoes is a light, flavorful, and quick dinner option. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender shrimp, and herbs makes it satisfying without being heavy, and it’s flexible enough to adjust for your taste preferences.