One-Pan Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A speedy weeknight meal with plump shrimp, zucchini, and pasta simmered together in a garlicky herb sauce. This italian-inspired one pot (gluten-free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs shrimp, zucchini, pasta for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 sliced zucchini and cook for 3 minutes until tender. Stir in drained pasta, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Toss until sauce coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and cook for 1 minute until heated through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pan Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pan Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is One-Pan Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta gluten-free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes