Spicy Garlic Shrimp Penne with Zucchini and Parmesan

This spicy shrimp penne pasta brings together succulent shrimp, tender zucchini and a punch of heat from fresh chili. Tossed in garlic herb butter and finished with Parmesan, every bite is a savory, spicy delight. Perfect for those who love a little kick, but easy to adjust for milder palates.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this one-pan wonder is ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of al dente pasta, crisp-tender zucchini and perfectly cooked shrimp creates a satisfying meal that’s both quick and impressive. Serve it hot with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-quality dish at home.

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Ingredients

6 ounce Penne PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chili PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce ShrimpView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Garlic Herb ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Meanwhile, halve zucchini lengthwise and slice into ¼-inch half-moons. Thinly slice half the chili (use all for extra heat). Rinse shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and chili; cook, tossing, until zucchini is lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
4. Push zucchini to one side of pan. Add another drizzle of olive oil to center. Add shrimp and cook, tossing, until pink and cooked through, 3-4 minutes.
5. Add penne, garlic herb butter, half the Parmesan and ¼ cup reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Toss until combined and coated in a loose sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
6. Divide pasta between bowls. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with extra chili if desired.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Use only half the chili pepper, remove the seeds and membranes or omit it entirely for a non-spicy version.

Can I substitute the shrimp with chicken?

Absolutely. Use bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink inside, about 5-6 minutes.