Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta

July 13, 2025 by Yasmin Bernat

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When it comes to weeknight dinners, we all crave recipes that are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Enter the Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta—a dish that checks all the boxes.

Ready in less than 30 minutes, this pasta recipe combines tender shrimp, sautéed zucchini, blistered cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked fusilli, all tied together with a touch of parmesan cheese. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a cozy meal, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta is a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques. The shrimp adds a juicy, protein-packed element to the dish, while the zucchini and cherry tomatoes bring vibrant colors and fresh flavors. The fusilli pasta serves as the perfect base, soaking up all the savory goodness from the vegetable stock and spices. And let’s not forget the parmesan cheese—it’s the finishing touch that transforms this recipe into a comforting masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful pasta dish:

8 oz (220g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 medium zucchinis
2 cups cherry tomatoes
8 oz (220g) fusilli pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/4 cup vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup grated parmesan

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta al dente in a pot of boiling water according to the package instructions. While the pasta is boiling away, you can start prepping the other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp along with black pepper, fennel seeds, and garlic powder. Sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Sauté the Zucchini: In the same skillet, toss in diced zucchini. If needed, add a little more olive oil to prevent sticking. Sauté the zucchini until golden brown on the edges, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer the zucchini to a plate and set aside.

4. Cook the Tomatoes: Using the same skillet (no need for extra cleanup!), add cherry tomatoes along with Cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat) and vegetable stock. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the tomatoes cook until they’re blistered and soft, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent burning.

5. Combine Everything: Push the cooked tomatoes to one side of the skillet and add in the shrimp, zucchini, cooked pasta, and parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. If needed, you can add a splash of vegetable stock to loosen up the mixture and create a light sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Plate your Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta immediately while it’s warm. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle extra parmesan on top for good measure. Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread if desired—and enjoy every bite!

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchini and cherry tomatoes make all the difference in this recipe, adding vibrant flavors and textures.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid turning them rubbery.
Customize Your Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of heat, feel free to skip the Cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can add more if you love spicy dishes!
Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Fusilli works beautifully here because its twists hold onto the sauce and ingredients, but feel free to use penne, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Nights

This Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta is perfect for busy evenings when you’re short on time but still want something wholesome and satisfying. The recipe uses simple pantry staples like olive oil, garlic powder, and vegetable stock to create layers of flavor without requiring elaborate prep work. Plus, everything cooks in one skillet (aside from the pasta), making cleanup a breeze.

A Dish Worth Sharing

Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or simply cooking for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of juicy shrimp, tender zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and cheesy pasta creates a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced. It’s comfort food at its finest—without spending hours in the kitchen.

So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta a try. It’s quick, delicious, and guaranteed to become part of your regular rotation. Happy cooking!