G-Suite

Creamy Zucchini Pasta with Shrimp

Pasta tossed with seared shrimp, golden-browned zucchini and a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce — the starchy pasta water does most of the work, so it stays creamy without needing much half-and-half. About 30 minutes.

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Creamy Zucchini Pasta with Shrimp
Serves 4 Prep 10 min Cook 20 min
Main Dish

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, penne or rotini)
  • 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, plus more as needed
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt, divided
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1-2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

  1. 1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½–1 cup of pasta water.
  2. 2. Season the shrimp. Pat shrimp dry and toss with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp salt and pepper.
  3. 3. Cook the shrimp. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook about 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove to a plate.
  4. 4. Cook the zucchini. Add zucchini to the same skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and developed some golden-brown spots.
  5. 5. Add garlic. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds.
  6. 6. Make the creamy sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the 1/2 cup half-and-half and about ¼ cup of pasta water. Stir.
  7. 7. Add Parmesan. Gradually stir in Parmesan. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon or two at a time, until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
  8. 8. Add pasta and shrimp. Add the drained pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes. Add more pasta water if it seems too thick.
  9. 9. Finish. Taste and add the remaining salt if needed. Top with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Serves 3–4. About 30 minutes total.

This one uses both zucchini and makes a surprisingly creamy sauce without needing a huge amount of cream.

Photo: Texas Hill Country Olive Co. (texashillcountryoliveco.com), from their zucchini linguini with shrimp post.