Introduction

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day, only to end up with uninspiring meals? Imagine whipping up a delicious, vibrant Shrimp & Veggie Skillet in under 30 minutes. This recipe not only challenges the notion that quick meals are bland but also caters to your busy lifestyle without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Let’s dive into this delightful dish that promises to become your new weeknight favorite!

Ingredients List

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick

Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein, and mix in any other seasonal vegetables you love!

Timing

This Shrimp & Veggie Skillet takes an astonishing prep time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, totaling just 25 minutes. This is nearly 20% less time than the average weeknight dinner recipe! Whether you’re rushing home from work or just need a quick meal, this dish is designed for efficiency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything prepped and within reach makes the cooking process smoother. Dice the bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic to set yourself up for success.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers, which indicates it’s hot enough to sauté the vegetables. This step enhances the flavors and ensures your veggies are cooked perfectly.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the bell pepper and broccoli to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to avoid burning and promote even cooking.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Remember, overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!

Step 5: Finish with Garlic and Tomatoes

Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the tomatoes to soften slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of quinoa or steamed rice to soak up all those delicious juices!

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 18g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg (using minimal salt)

The nutritional value may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes, but this dish is generally low in calories while being high in protein and packed with vitamins from the vegetables.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to enhance the nutritional value, try these modifications:

• Swap regular olive oil for avocado oil for a higher smoke point and healthy fats.
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of oil to sauté the veggies for fewer calories.
• Incorporate spinach or kale for added greens.
• Use whole grain or brown rice as a base for fiber.

These tweaks will maintain the dish’s flavor while promoting health benefits, suitable for various dietary needs, including gluten-free or dairy-free options.

Serving Suggestions

For an appealing presentation, serve the Shrimp & Veggie Skillet in a beautiful bowl and drizzle a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice on top. Pair it with:

• A light salad, like a spinach and arugula mix with vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread to soak up the juices.
• Quinoa cooked in vegetable broth to enhance flavor.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite sides and make this dish versatile enough for various occasions!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Shrimp: Watch the shrimp closely, as they only need a few minutes to cook. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Preparation is key in a quick recipe. Ensure everything is ready to go before starting to cook.
• Ignoring Sautéing Techniques: Always heat your skillet before adding oil to achieve better sautéing results.
• Overcrowding the Pan: If your pan is packed too tight, the veggies will steam instead of sauté, losing texture.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftovers can be a lifesaver! Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
• Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Use a heavy-duty freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.
• Meal Prep: Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to cook, it will take no time at all!

Conclusion

The Shrimp & Veggie Skillet is a fantastic solution to busy nights, offering a burst of fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and excellent nutrition—all in less than 30 minutes! Dive into this quick recipe tonight and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or subscribe for more delicious updates.

FAQs

A: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even heat distribution and optimal texture.

B: What vegetables can I add to the skillet?

You can add a variety of your favorite vegetables! Zucchini, snap peas, or asparagus are all excellent choices that complement the shrimp beautifully.

C: How spicy can I make this dish?

If you’re a fan of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños during cooking. Adjust to your spice preference!

D: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

For the freshest results, it’s best to cook it just before serving. However, you can prep all the ingredients a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

E: Is it necessary to garnish with parsley?

While parsley adds a fresh flavor and visual appeal, it’s an optional step. Feel free to use other herbs like cilantro or omit it if desired.

Delicious Shrimp & Veggie Skillet for Busy Nights – Quick & Easy

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: jamal
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Quick shrimp & veggie skillet recipe perfect for busy nights. Easy to make, healthy, and delicious. Enjoy a satisfying meal in no time!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 cup of broccoli florets

1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional: 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

Gather all your ingredients: dice the bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add the bell pepper and broccoli to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.

Add the shrimp, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until shrimp is pink and opaque.

Stir in minced garlic and cherry tomatoes; sauté for an additional 2 minutes.

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Quick and flavorful Shrimp & Veggie Skillet recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g