Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti with Zucchini and Broccoli

This spicy shrimp spaghetti brings together succulent shrimp, tender zucchini and vibrant broccoli in a garlic herb butter sauce with a kick of chili pepper. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something bold and delicious.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is packed with flavor and protein. The chili pepper adds heat that you can adjust to your liking, while the Parmesan cheese and garlic herb butter create a rich, savory coating for the al dente pasta. Serve it hot for a comforting dinner that’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients

unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce ShrimpView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit BroccoliView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Garlic Herb ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce SpaghettiView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chili PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Meanwhile, wash and dry produce. Trim and halve zucchini lengthwise, then cut crosswise into ¼-inch half-moons. Thinly slice chili pepper. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and as much chili as you like; cook until zucchini is lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.
4. Push zucchini mixture to one side of the pan. Add another drizzle of olive oil to the empty side. Add shrimp and cook until opaque and cooked through, 3-4 minutes.
5. Add drained spaghetti, garlic herb butter, half the Parmesan and ¼ cup reserved pasta water to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Toss until combined. If needed, add more pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the pasta.
6. Divide pasta between bowls. Top with remaining Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with extra chili slices if desired.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

What can I substitute for garlic herb butter?

You can use regular butter mixed with minced garlic and dried herbs like parsley or oregano.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes or spinach would work well in this dish.