One-Pan Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Zucchini
Bright, zesty shrimp and zucchini cooked in a single skillet with lemon and garlic for a vibrant, healthy weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs Shrimp, medium Zucchini, Cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 2 medium Zucchini
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 Lemon
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb shrimp with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add 2 sliced medium zucchini, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender-crisp and tomatoes soften.
- Step 3: Return shrimp to skillet, add zest and juice from 1 lemon, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss to combine and cook for 1 minute until heated through and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Zucchini take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 with Lemon and Zucchini?
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 with Lemon and Zucchini?
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 with Lemon and Zucchini 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.
What goes well with One-Pan Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Zucchini?
Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this one-pan are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Perfect one pot recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.