Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta

Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta is a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week! Juicy shrimp, tender zucchini, and sweet cherry tomatoes come together in a deliciously seasoned sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is packed with fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and just the right balance of protein and veggies. Whether you’re looking for a quick 30-minute meal or a wholesome dinner packed with Mediterranean-inspired goodness, this pasta is sure to satisfy. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for the ultimate finishing touch!

Ingredients:

8 oz rotini or pasta of choice

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt & black pepper to taste

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the pasta

according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté the shrimp:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Remove and set aside.

Cook the veggies:

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds. Add zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.

Add tomatoes:

Stir in cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften.

Combine everything:

Return shrimp to the skillet and add cooked pasta. Pour in the reserved pasta water or broth and toss to coat.

Finish with Parmesan:

Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning as needed.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Cooking Tips

✅ Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! Sauté them for just 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery.

✅ Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: Zucchini softens fast, so cook it just until tender-crisp to keep a slight bite and avoid mushiness.

✅ Build Flavor with Garlic & Spices: Sauté garlic in olive oil before adding other ingredients for a deeper, richer flavor. Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.

✅ Use Fresh Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes work best because they release their natural juices while cooking, creating a light sauce. If using canned tomatoes, choose fire-roasted for extra flavor.

Enhancements & Variations

🔥 Make it Creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a scoop of ricotta cheese for a creamy twist.

🧀 Boost the Flavor: A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese adds a tangy, rich taste.

🍋 Brighten it Up: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving enhances the flavors.

🌿 Herb Boost: Fresh basil or parsley at the end makes a big difference.

🥑 Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.