Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta in Light Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, shelled and deveined (12 oz peeled weight)
• Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces bowtie pasta, uncooked (or protein pasta, gluten-free pasta)
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced thin
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, julienned or cubed
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
• 1/2 cup chicken broth, or vegetable broth
• Olive oil spray
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   Sauté the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat until very hot and lightly spray with olive oil. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute on each side until almost cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

3. 3

   Prepare the base sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and reduce heat to medium. Add minced shallots and sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. 4

   Add vegetables: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 1 minute. Then add the zucchini and sauté for another minute.

5. 5

   Simmer with broth and spices: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and return the shrimp to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 30 seconds to marry the flavors.

6. 6

   Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

7. 7

   Finish and serve: Stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, topped with grated Pecorino Romano cheese if desired for an added savory touch.