Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that's both quick and irresistible! This Shrimp with Penne and Squash recipe is the perfect solution for busy home cooks craving a restaurant-quality meal in just 35 minutes. Imagine tender, succulent shrimp nestled among perfectly cooked pasta and vibrant summer squash, all brought together with a light, flavorful sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften but remain slightly crisp.
- Push vegetables to one side of the skillet and add shrimp to the other side. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Combine cooked pasta with shrimp and vegetables in the skillet. If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcook the shrimp - they should turn pink and slightly curl, which typically takes only 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - this starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce.
- Cut your zucchini and yellow squash into uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese just before serving to maximize flavor.
- If you want to add extra depth, consider a splash of white wine or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice when combining the ingredients.
- For a low-carb option, you can substitute the penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
