One-Pan Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini and Lemon
Quick and flavorful shrimp cooked with zucchini, garlic, and a bright lemon finish in one skillet. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, medium zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1 medium zucchini
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 medium zucchini. Sauté for 5 minutes, until zucchini is tender and slightly golden.
- Step 3: Return 1 lb shrimp to the skillet, add the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to combine.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini and Lemon 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 Zucchini and Lemon?
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 Zucchini and Lemon?
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 Zucchini and Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Zucchini and Lemon?
American 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
- ★★★★★
This was so easy and delicious! My family loved the lemony garlic flavor.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The zucchini added a nice touch.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but the garlic was a bit too strong for my taste. Still, the shrimp were perfectly cooked.
