Roast bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with a garlic butter sauce. Add shrimp and cook until opaque. Serve with lemon and parsley for a 25-minute meal.
There was a Tuesday evening not long ago when I realized I had zero energy for a multi pot production but still craved something deeply satisfying.
I served this to my family during a busy season and watched them literally sop up the leftover sauce with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- Large raw shrimp: Keeping the tails on looks beautiful but peeling them beforehand makes for much easier eating.
- Bell peppers: Red and yellow varieties bring natural sweetness that balances the savory garlic perfectly.
- Zucchini: Slice these into half moons so they caramelize nicely alongside the shrimp without getting mushy.
- Cherry tomatoes: They burst in the oven creating little pockets of juicy sweetness throughout the pan.
- Red onion: Thin slices mellow out as they roast adding a subtle bite that complements the seafood.
- Unsalted butter: This creates the rich base for our sauce allowing you to control the exact salt level.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is non negotiable here for that aromatic punch we all love.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a deep smoky layer that makes the dish taste like it cooked over a fire.
Instructions
- Prep the oven and pan:
- Get your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for effortless cleanup later.
- Arrange the vegetables:
- Spread the bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion out in a single layer so they roast evenly.
- Make the sauce:
- Whisk together the melted butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Coat the veggies:
- Drizzle half of that garlic butter mixture over the vegetables and toss them gently to cover every piece.
- Roast the base:
- Slide the pan into the oven and let the vegetables cook for about 8 minutes to get a head start on softening.
- Add the shrimp:
- Pull the pan out and arrange the shrimp evenly over the veggies then pour the rest of the sauce on top.
- Finish cooking:
- Put it back in the oven for another 7 to 8 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and curl up slightly.
- Serve it up:
- Bring the hot pan straight to the table and garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finish.
This recipe quickly became a staple in our house because it feels fancy enough for guests but is simple enough for a random Tuesday.
Picking the Best Shrimp
I always look for wild caught shrimp if I can find it because the flavor is noticeably sweeter and cleaner than farm raised.
Timing Your Veggies
If you prefer your vegetables softer you can add the zucchini a few minutes earlier than the peppers so everything finishes at the same texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is fantastic on its own but serving it over steamed jasmine rice makes it a complete hearty meal.
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the butter and lemon.
- Crusty sourdough bread is essential for soaking up every drop of the sauce.
- Keep a bottle of hot sauce on the table for those who like an extra kick.
I hope this brings a little ease and a lot of flavor to your dinner table tonight.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
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Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
- → What vegetables work best?
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Bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes work well. Add asparagus or snap peas too.
- → How do I make it dairy-free?
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Substitute olive oil for butter in the sauce.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
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Yes, add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or omit for a milder dish.
- → What should I serve with it?
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Steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread pairs perfectly to soak up the sauce.