One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, 30-minute dinner featuring plump shrimp and tender zucchini in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, finished with a burst of fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals ready in about 30 minutes pairs large, peeled and deveined shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic 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.

★ 3.9 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined) and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium zucchinis (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds) and 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) to the skillet, and sauté for 4 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet, add 1 tbsp fresh parsley, and stir to combine; cook for 1 minute until heated through.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then garnish with 1/4 cup fresh basil before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?

Mediterranean quick meals 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

Related recipes