Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet

Tender shrimp, crisp zucchini, and a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce — all made in one skillet in under 30 minutes. This Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is the kind of weeknight recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s comforting without being heavy, rich yet balanced, and beautifully simple.

I first made this on a busy weeknight when I had a couple of zucchinis hanging out in the fridge that were just shy of going bad. I tossed them in a pan with shrimp, a splash of cream, and some garlic… and let’s just say, it turned out so good it became a regular on our dinner table.

Whether you’re cooking for family, a date night at home, or just yourself (yes, treat yourself!), this dish delivers. It’s quick, low-carb, naturally gluten-free, and full of flavor — and did I mention it all comes together in one pan? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant Yet Easy

There’s something about the combination of shrimp, cream, and zucchini that feels restaurant-level — but trust me, this dish is incredibly simple. You don’t need fancy equipment or culinary school chops to pull it off. In just 30 minutes, you can have something that looks and tastes like it came from a cozy bistro. It’s a perfect choice for low-effort weeknights or those “I want something nice” kind of dinners.

Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

This recipe doesn’t ask for much — just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Shrimp from the freezer, a couple zucchinis, some garlic and onion, and a splash of cream are really all it takes. Plus, it’s flexible: you can substitute dairy-free milk, adjust the seasoning, or even throw in other vegetables you need to use up.

Quick & One-Skillet

Who doesn’t love fewer dishes? This meal is cooked entirely in one skillet, which means cleanup is a breeze. From start to finish, the whole process takes about 30 minutes, making it ideal for nights when time is tight but you still want something warm and home-cooked.

Adaptable Flavor

Want to make it spicier? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Craving more veggies? Mushrooms, spinach, or even bell peppers would fit right in. No zucchini? Yellow squash makes a perfect substitute. This dish is forgiving, friendly, and fun to play with.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need — plus a few notes on why each ingredient matters:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  → The star of the dish. Quick to cook and packed with protein.

• 2 medium zucchinis (sliced into half-moons)
  → Brings freshness, texture, and vibrant green color.

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
  → For sautéing and building flavor from the start.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  → Adds a deep, aromatic base that pairs beautifully with shrimp.

• ½ cup chopped onion
  → Brings natural sweetness and complexity.

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
  → Adds acidity and a juicy pop of color (feel free to leave out or substitute).

• ½ cup chicken broth
  → Helps deglaze the skillet and forms the base of the sauce.

• ½ cup heavy cream
  → Rich, creamy texture that turns the sauce into pure indulgence.

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  → Adds nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  → A gentle heat that balances the richness — totally adjustable.

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  → Essential for bringing out every layer of flavor.

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  → A bright, herby finish that makes it look as good as it tastes.

• Lemon wedges (for serving)
  → A squeeze of lemon cuts through the creaminess and brings it all together.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet

Step-by-Step Instructions

This dish is wonderfully simple — and with just one pan and a few key ingredients, dinner comes together fast. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:

1. First, Sear the Shrimp

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and just cooked through. After that, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Tip: Be careful not to overcook — shrimp turn rubbery when left too long on heat.

2. Next, Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Then, toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until soft and slightly golden. Afterward, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

This step creates the flavor base for your creamy sauce.

3. After That, Add the Veggies

Now add the zucchini slices and halved cherry tomatoes (if using). Sauté everything for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is crisp-tender. Don’t forget to season again with salt and pepper.

This keeps the vegetables flavorful and bright.

4. Then, Deglaze the Skillet

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. As it bubbles, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom — that’s pure flavor!

Deglazing lifts all that caramelized goodness into your sauce.

5. Now, Make It Creamy

Once the broth has reduced slightly, lower the heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it all simmer together for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy.

This is the moment it all comes together!

6. Finally, Finish and Serve

Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything to coat. Let it heat through for another 1–2 minutes.
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley and add a generous squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.

Serve immediately and enjoy every warm, creamy bite.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Suggested Pairings

The beauty of this dish is that it pairs wonderfully with just about anything. Whether you're going low-carb or want something more filling, here are some easy ideas:

• Grains:

  • Steamed white rice

  • Quinoa

  • Couscous

• Pasta:

  • Fettuccine

  • Linguine

  • Zucchini noodles (for a low-carb option)

• Bread:

  • Crusty sourdough

  • Garlic bread

  • Warm focaccia

• Drinks:

  • A crisp dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

  • Iced tea with lemon

  • Sparkling water or lemon spritzer

• Dessert Ideas:

  • Lemon bars

  • Panna cotta

  • Fruit sorbet (mango or raspberry pairs beautifully)

This meal is cozy enough for weeknights but easily dressed up for special occasions.

Variations and Substitutions

Cooking is all about making it your own. Here are some of the most delicious and practical ways to customize this Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet:

Dairy-Free

• Swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a rich, non-dairy version.

• Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

• Still creamy, still flavorful — and completely lactose-free.

Extra Veggie Boost

• Want to pack in more vegetables? Go for it!

• Toss in sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or diced bell peppers.

• These blend beautifully with the creamy sauce and add nutrition and color.

Gluten-Free

• The base recipe is naturally gluten-free.

• Just make sure your chicken broth and cheese are certified gluten-free if needed.

Spicy Kick

• Craving a little heat? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite Cajun seasoning.

• For something smokier, try a pinch of chipotle powder — it adds depth without overpowering the creaminess.

Storage Instructions

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat it while keeping the texture and flavor intact.

Room Temperature

Like most seafood-based dishes, this skillet should not sit out for long.

• Safe for up to 2 hours at room temperature.

• After that, it’s best to refrigerate it to avoid any food safety issues.

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• When reheating, warm it gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

  • Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing

While it can be frozen, it’s not ideal because the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

• Instead, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and vegetables separately, then make the sauce fresh when reheating.

• This trick keeps the texture silky and fresh-tasting.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are some simple tips to help you get perfect results every time — even on your first try:

• Use medium to large shrimp — or cut jumbo shrimp in half so they cook evenly.

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! They only need a few minutes and turn rubbery if left too long.

• For a flavor boost, sear shrimp with Cajun seasoning or Old Bay before adding to the skillet.

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes far superior to the pre-shredded kind.

• Add lemon juice at the end — it brightens up the whole dish and keeps the cream from curdling.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet, you might also enjoy these savory, creamy, or skillet-based recipes from Creative's Cookery:

• Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce: A hearty one-pan meal with creamy flavor and seared steak.

• Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan and Sundried Tomato Sauce: Packed with bold flavors and ideal for pasta or rice.

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne: Comforting and rich pasta dish with veggies and chicken.

• Grilled Shrimp Salad Recipe: A lighter shrimp dish that complements warm-weather meals.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sear properly.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can swap in Half & Half, evaporated milk, or even full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! It’s naturally low-carb, high in protein, and doesn’t require any flour or starch.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep the ingredients in advance, but for best results, cook the shrimp fresh. Overcooked shrimp can become tough when reheated.

Do I need roasted peppers?

Nope! They’re totally optional. Cherry tomatoes or sautéed bell peppers are great substitutes if you want some extra color and tang.

Conclusion

This Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, flavorful, and satisfying.

The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce wraps every bite in comfort, while the zucchini keeps it fresh and light. It’s one of those dishes that feels a little special — but won’t take over your evening to make.

Whether you stick to the recipe or give it your own personal twist, I hope it brings a little joy to your table.

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