Imagine a dish that combines the succulence of perfectly cooked shrimp, the rich depth of marinara sauce, and the tangy punch of feta and Parmesan cheese—all in just 30 minutes! This Garlicky Shrimp Marinara with Zucchini is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms your kitchen into a Mediterranean coastal restaurant. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping zucchini into thin half-moon slices, mincing garlic finely, and ensuring shrimp are peeled and deveined.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is evenly heated.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become slightly opaque.
- Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to become slightly tender but still maintain a crisp texture.
- Pour marinara sauce over the shrimp and zucchini, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
- Cover the skillet and let the cheese slightly melt for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Plate the garlicky shrimp marinara and garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Shrimp Cooking Hack: Always remove shrimp from heat the moment they turn pink to prevent overcooking and maintain their tender, juicy texture.
- Garlic Management: Use fresh garlic and watch it carefully while sautéing—30-45 seconds is the sweet spot between fragrant and burnt.
- Zucchini Texture: Cut zucchini into uniform half-moon slices to ensure even cooking and a consistent bite.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Allow residual heat to melt the feta and Parmesan for a more even, creamy distribution.
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for an extra aromatic touch.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 220mg
