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Fresh Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Fresh Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta Recipe
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A bright, fresh, and healthy pasta dish combining succulent shrimp, juicy tomatoes, tender zucchini, and aromatic basil. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe balances lean protein and fresh vegetables with vibrant flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz linguine, spaghetti, or preferred pasta (gluten-free optional)
  • 1 lb fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 2 cups cherry or vine-ripened tomatoes, washed and diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons or small chunks
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp good-quality olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables and Shrimp: Wash and dice the fresh tomatoes. Slice the zucchini into half-moons or small chunks. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done, then pat them dry to ensure they sear evenly.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
  4. Cook Tomatoes and Zucchini: Add the diced tomatoes and zucchini to the skillet with the shrimp. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the zucchini softens slightly and the tomatoes release their juices, forming a fresh sauce.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and lemon juice, stirring gently to combine all ingredients into a cohesive, silky sauce.
  6. Finish with Herbs and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use ripe vine-ripened tomatoes for a naturally sweet, flavorful sauce.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; cook just until they turn pink to keep them juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to emulsify the sauce and keep the pasta moist.
  • Preheat your pan to get a good sear on the shrimp.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, zucchini pasta, fresh tomato pasta, quick dinner, healthy seafood pasta, gluten-free pasta

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/fresh-tomato-zucchini-shrimp-pasta-recipe/