Zesty One-Pan Delight: Lemon Herb Shrimp & Veggie Skillet

Lemon Herb Shrimp and Veggie Skillet

Introduction

Lemon Herb Shrimp and Veggie Skillet delivers vibrant flavor and wholesome nutrition in just one pan. Zesty lemon and aromatic herbs infuse tender shrimp and seasonal vegetables with refreshing brightness, making this recipe both nutritious and easy to prepare. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal to impress, this skillet combines speed and gourmet flavor for a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Deliciously Unique Lemon Herb Shrimp and Veggie Skillet

What sets this skillet apart is the balance of tangy, citrus-kissed shrimp and crisp, colorful veggies, all enhanced by a blend of fresh herbs. Every forkful offers tender shrimp accented with lemon’s lively zing, paired with perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s a satisfying meal that’s light, flavorful, and versatile for any occasion.

Preparing the Perfect Lemon Herb Marinade

Creating a bright and aromatic marinade is key for incredible flavor. Fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, and chopped herbs work together to tenderize the shrimp and enhance the vegetables. For best results, combine the shrimp with the marinade for at least 15 minutes. This not only infuses flavor, but also yields juicy, succulent shrimp every time.

Assembling Your One-Pan Skillet Meal

After marinating, sauté the vegetables until crisp-tender, reserving any that cook faster to add later. Next, add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink—overcooking can make them tough. Finish with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of herbs right before serving to maximize freshness and vibrancy.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Lemon Herb Shrimp and Veggie Skillet

Serve your skillet meal over cooked quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice for a filling grain bowl. Add toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of feta for extra dimension. For a casual spread, serve the skillet directly family-style with crusty bread on the side to soak up all those delicious pan juices.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Each serving offers lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and just the right amount of healthy fats—coming in at about 250 to 300 calories per dish (without grains or cheese). It’s a balanced choice perfect for health-conscious diners.

Lemon Herb Shrimp and Veggie Skillet (Recap)

This lemon herb shrimp and veggie skillet strikes the perfect harmony between zesty seafood and garden-fresh vegetables, all ready in a single pan. Simple preparation and bold flavors make this meal an ideal pick for both busy evenings and special occasions.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lemon (zest and juice)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or use chopped fresh basil, parsley, or dill)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, sliced
Optional: cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for serving; extra fresh herbs for garnish

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
  3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red bell pepper, red onion, zucchini, and yellow squash. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until veggies begin to soften.
  4. Add the cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until tomatoes just start to burst and the veggies are crisp-tender.
  5. Push the veggies to the edges of the skillet and add the marinated shrimp to the center. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  6. Toss everything gently together in the skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice, salt, or herbs as needed.
  7. Serve immediately on its own, or over your choice of grain, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Lemon Herb Shrimp and Veggie Skillet is a weeknight lifesaver—easy to prep, cook, and clean up! Save and schedule this recipe in your weekly meal planner to create dynamic, consolidated shopping lists for all your meals.

Planning Benefits:

  • Calculates total ingredient amounts across multiple recipes for the week
  • Organizes your shopping list by store section for fast, efficient grocery runs
  • Minimizes duplicate purchases and helps streamline pantry management
  • Makes weekly meal prep organized, intentional, and stress-free

Pro tip: If you schedule several recipes using similar ingredients—like bell peppers or herbs—CookifyAI will automatically sum the total quantities so you buy just what you need, cutting down on food waste and last-minute store trips.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Leave a Comment