If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, fuss-free meal that truly celebrates bold flavors, look no further than this Easy One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Veggies That Burst with Flavor Recipe. It’s everything you want in a dinner that comes together quickly yet feels like a special occasion — juicy shrimp marinated in zesty garlic and lemon, paired with bright, tender vegetables that practically sing with every bite. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a colorful plate that makes healthy eating a joyous experience. Once you try it, it’s hard not to keep coming back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients that each play an important role in delivering a well-balanced, flavorful meal. From succulent shrimp to crisp veggies, every component adds a vital dimension of texture, color, or taste that elevates the dish.
- 1 pound Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and quick-cooking, soaking up all the garlicky goodness.
- 3 cloves Garlic (freshly minced): Infuses the dish with that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Acts as the perfect cooking medium and brings a luscious richness.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Adds a fresh, bright zing that lifts everything beautifully.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances natural flavors and keeps everything well-seasoned.
- Black pepper (to taste): Provides a gentle heat and depth.
- 1 cup Bell peppers (sliced, colorful varieties): Brings a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 medium Zucchini (sliced): Adds a tender, slightly creamy texture and mild flavor.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved): Bursting with juicy sweetness that balances the savoriness perfectly.
- 1 medium Red onion (sliced thin): Offers a subtle sharpness and a lovely contrast when sautéed.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley or basil (chopped finely): Gives a fresh herbal finish that brightens the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste): For those who want to add a lively touch of heat.
How to Make Easy One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Veggies That Burst with Flavor Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the fresh shrimp with minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This simple marinade lets the shrimp soak up vibrant flavors and enhances their natural sweetness. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes—this little patience pays off in every bite.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies
While your shrimp is marinating, slice the bell peppers into colorful strips, cut the zucchini into rounds or half-moons, and thinly slice the red onion. Don’t forget to halve those cherry tomatoes and give all your veggies a quick pat dry—this helps them sear nicely instead of steaming, adding lovely texture to your plate.
Step 3: Heat Your Pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and wait until it’s hot and shimmering. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the skillet—this is where the magic starts as the shrimp and veggies get their beautiful golden edges.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly. Sear each side for about 2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Properly cooked shrimp have a firm but tender bite—overcooking will dry them out, so keep an eye on the clock.
Step 5: Sauté the Veggies
Push the shrimp to one side of the pan to make room for the vegetables. Toss in the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, sautéing for about 4 minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crisp—the texture contrast with the shrimp makes this dish a real winner.
Step 6: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Finish Cooking
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they just start to soften and burst, releasing their juicy sweetness. This step builds layers of flavor and gives a touch of lusciousness to the dish.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the pan along with crushed red pepper flakes, if you like a little heat. Give everything a final taste, adjust salt and pepper as needed, then serve straight from the skillet for a warm, rustic presentation that’s as appealing visually as it is delicious.
How to Serve Easy One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Veggies That Burst with Flavor Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are perfect finishing touches, adding a burst of color and fresh aroma. A light squeeze of lemon over the top can also amp up the brightness and make the dish feel even fresher.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides such as fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up the garlicky pan juices. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a fantastic choice that keeps the focus on the vibrant shrimp and veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this meal over a bed of quinoa or whole grain pasta to turn it into a heartier feast. You can also spoon everything into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld way to enjoy all the flavors with an added crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp and veggies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dish chilled promptly after serving to maintain freshness and avoid overcooking the shrimp when reheating.
Freezing
While shrimp can sometimes become rubbery after freezing and reheating, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place cooled shrimp and veggies in a freezer-safe container, and use within one month for best quality. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if needed to refresh the flavors. Avoid microwaving at high heat as shrimp can toughen quickly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess liquid in the pan.
What vegetables work best with this dish?
Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions are fantastic, but feel free to add or swap in favorites like asparagus or snap peas for your own twist.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild by default, but the optional crushed red pepper flakes let you customize the heat level to your liking.
How do I prevent the veggies from becoming soggy?
Patting them dry before cooking and sautéing over medium-high heat helps keep that wonderful crisp-tender texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You can swap shrimp with hearty mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based version that still captures the garlicky, zesty spirit of the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that feels both effortless and bursting with flavor, and this Easy One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Veggies That Burst with Flavor Recipe delivers just that. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a bright, fresh, and satisfying dish. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly carve out a beloved spot in your recipe rotation!
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Easy One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Veggies That Burst with Flavor Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Veggies recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Succulent shrimp are marinated in garlic, lemon, and olive oil, then sautéed alongside fresh colorful vegetables including bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, creating a vibrant dish bursting with bold flavors and bright colors.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 cloves Garlic (freshly minced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup Bell peppers (sliced, colorful varieties)
- 1 medium Zucchini (sliced)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 medium Red onion (sliced thin)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley or basil (chopped finely)
- Crushed red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the large peeled and deveined shrimp with freshly minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the vibrant flavors.
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into bite-sized strips. Halve the cherry tomatoes and pat all the vegetables dry with a paper towel to ensure better searing during cooking.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer, then add a small drizzle of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking and help with cooking.
- Cook Shrimp: Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Sauté Vegetables: Push the cooked shrimp to one side of the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to the empty side, sautéing for approximately 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still have a bit of crunch.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook everything together for an additional 2 minutes, just until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst, releasing their juices and adding a fresh burst of flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped fresh parsley or basil and add crushed red pepper flakes if desired for some heat. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt and black pepper to taste. Serve directly from the pan for a rustic and easy presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To keep the shrimp tender, avoid overcooking. Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left on heat too long.
- Different herbs like cilantro or oregano can be used as variations of the garnish.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to make it a complete meal.
- Using dry vegetables before cooking ensures a better sear and prevents steaming.
