Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet

This creamy shrimp and zucchini skillet is a quick and satisfying weeknight favorite. It brings together juicy shrimp, tender zucchini, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce all in one pan for a meal that's both delicious and healthy without any fuss.

I started making this recipe when I wanted a fancy dinner without the hassle. It quickly became a go-to because it feels indulgent but comes together in no time.

Ingredients You Need

• One pound of large shrimp: peeled and deveined for easy eating and fast cooking
• Two medium zucchinis: sliced to add freshness and a mild crunch
• Two tablespoons of olive oil: to create a flavorful base for sautéing
• Three cloves of minced garlic: to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth
• Half a cup of chopped onion: to build sweetness and depth
• Half a cup of cherry tomatoes: optional but brings a pop of color and juicy brightness
• Half a cup of chicken broth: to deglaze the pan and add savory notes
• Half a cup of heavy cream: which turns the sauce silky and rich
• One third cup of grated Parmesan cheese: for salty, nutty flavor and thickness
• Quarter teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes: optional to add gentle heat
• Salt and black pepper to taste: for seasoning balance
• Fresh parsley: chopped for a fragrant and colorful garnish
• Lemon wedges: on the side to brighten and add acidity at the table

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build The Flavor Base:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté for two to three minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside so they do not overcook.

Sauté Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add chopped onions and cook gently until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about thirty seconds to release its fragrance. This step sets a savory foundation for the sauce.

Cook The Vegetables:

Add sliced zucchinis and cherry tomatoes if using. Cook for five to seven minutes until the zucchini starts to soften but still retains a pleasant bite. This adds body and nutrition to the dish.

Simmer The Sauce:

Pour chicken broth into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. This loosens any browned bits stuck to the bottom to add extra flavor.

Finish With Cream and Cheese:

Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the sauce simmer for three to five minutes until it thickens into a smooth, creamy coating.

Combine And Serve:

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together so the shrimp gets evenly coated in the sauce. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges to brighten every bite.

Sharing this dish at family dinners always brings compliments and requests for seconds.

Smart storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep the shrimp tender and avoid curdling the cream sauce. Adding a splash of broth or cream when reheating helps maintain the sauce's silky texture.

Ingredient variations

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version while keeping the creamy feel. Experiment with adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus to increase vegetable content and add extra layers of flavor. Use fresh herbs like basil or tarragon as toppings for a twist on the classic parsley garnish.

Perfect pairing ideas

Serve this skillet over a bed of cooked pasta or creamy polenta to soak up every bit of sauce. A side of crusty bread is wonderful to dip and scoop. Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the seafood and creamy sauce.

With each bite, this skillet feels like a restaurant-worthy indulgence made effortlessly at home. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into a small celebration of good food and easy comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How should the shrimp be prepared before cooking?

Use peeled and deveined large shrimp for best results. Pat them dry to ensure even sautéing and a better sear in the skillet.

→ Can I substitute heavy cream in the sauce?

Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it will be slightly less rich and creamy.

→ What is the best way to cook the zucchini?

Slice the zucchini evenly and sauté it in the skillet until tender but still slightly crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes, to retain texture.

→ How do the flavors develop in this dish?

Sautéing garlic and onions first builds a fragrant base. The Parmesan cheese adds depth and creaminess, while lemon juice and parsley provide fresh, bright notes to balance the richness.

→ Can additional vegetables be added to this dish?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work well and can be cooked alongside the zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture variety.

→ What sides pair well with this skillet dish?

It pairs nicely with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce and complement the shrimp and vegetables.