Colorful Shrimp & Rainbow Veggie Skillet Recipe for Dinner Joy

Summer’s sizzling heat calls for a quick and vibrant shrimp and rainbow veggie skillet that bursts with color and flavor.

Fresh, plump shrimp dance alongside a kaleidoscope of crisp vegetables in this one-pan wonder.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of tender seafood and garden-fresh produce.

The skillet method ensures maximum taste with minimal cleanup, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Bright bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes create a stunning palette that’ll make your plate pop.

Seasoned with a harmonious mix of herbs and spices, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Grab your skillet and get ready to savor every colorful, delicious forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Components of Shrimp and Rainbow Veggie Skillet

• Shrimp: Select fresh, wild-caught shrimp for optimal flavor and sustainable seafood choice; Marina Del Rey variety offers excellent quality and texture.

• Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant, firm vegetables with bright colors and no soft spots; mix colors for visual appeal and diverse nutrient profile.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich base and high-quality butter for creamy depth; combine for perfect cooking medium.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide intense, aromatic flavor; choose firm, plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Paprika, Cajun Seasoning: Select high-quality, freshly ground spices for robust, authentic taste; adds warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for clean, sharp seasoning.

• Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp leaves for vibrant color and fresh herbal notes; adds final touch of brightness to the skillet.

Cooking Equipment for Shrimp & Rainbow Veggies

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp and vegetables in one pan.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for creating bite-sized vegetable pieces.
• Medium bowl: Used for seasoning and coating shrimp with spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring tablespoon: Helps measure olive oil accurately.
• Garlic press (optional): Convenient for mincing fresh garlic quickly.
• Fresh herbs scissors: Handy for chopping parsley for garnish.

How to Make Shrimp and Rainbow Veggie Skillet

• Veggie Prep

Chop zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers into colorful bite-sized pieces that will dance in the skillet.

• Shrimp Seasoning

Toss shrimp with Cajun spices, creating a zesty coating that will make taste buds sing.

• Seafood Sizzle

Quickly cook shrimp in a hot skillet until they transform into beautiful pink morsels, then set aside.

• Vegetable Symphony

Melt butter and sauté garlic, then add chopped vegetables, creating a vibrant medley of colors and flavors.

• Final Fusion

Reunite the spicy shrimp with the tender vegetables, allowing their flavors to mingle and create a mouthwatering harmony.

• Serving Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the skillet, adding a pop of green and a burst of freshness before bringing this delicious creation to the table.

Tweaks & Tips for Shrimp and Veggie Skillet

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Seafood Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken, scallops, or tofu for a different protein twist without changing the recipe's vibrant veggie base.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to make the dish mild or extra spicy. Start with less and add more gradually to suit your heat preference.
• Quick Weeknight Hack: Prep chopped vegetables and seasoned shrimp ahead of time to reduce cooking time when you're hungry and rushed.
• Fresh Herb Magic: Experiment with different herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles that complement the shrimp and vegetables.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal that keeps all the original recipe's delicious flavors intact.

How to Serve Shrimp with Veggies

• Feast-Worthy Plating Perfection: Spread the colorful skillet over a large white serving platter to showcase the vibrant vegetables and succulent shrimp.
• Carb Companion Delight: Serve alongside fluffy white rice, quinoa, or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic-infused juices and create a complete meal.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh pop of color and enhance the overall flavor profile with a zesty touch.
• Zesty Side Kick: Offer a small ramekin of tangy lemon aioli or spicy sriracha mayo on the side for guests who love an extra kick of flavor and want to customize their dining experience.

Best Way to Store Shrimp and Rainbow Veggie Skillet

• Refrigerator Refresh Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Your shrimp and veggie skillet stays delicious for 2-3 days when chilled at 40°F or lower.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Chop vegetables and season shrimp in advance to reduce cooking time. Keep ingredients separate in sealed containers for easy weeknight dinner assembly.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze cooked dish without garnish in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently in skillet to maintain texture and flavor.
• Smart Portioning Trick: Pack individual servings in grab-and-go containers for quick lunches. This method helps control portions and makes reheating simple for busy professionals or meal preppers.

Vibrant Shrimp and Rainbow Veggie Skillet

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent shrimp and rainbow veggie skillet combines zesty flavors from fresh Mediterranean ingredients. Colorful vegetables and perfectly seasoned protein create a quick, nutritious meal that delights palates and nourishes hungry diners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined (Marina Del Rey recommended)
• 3 small bell peppers (assorted colors)
• 2 small zucchini
• 2 small yellow squash
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 g) butter
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 g) paprika
• 0.5 tbsps (7.5 g) Cajun seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Uniformly slice zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers into bite-sized cubes to guarantee consistent cooking and visual appeal.
2. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat raw shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and olive oil in a mixing bowl, ensuring complete spice coverage.
3. Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and swiftly cook seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink with a golden exterior, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Vegetable Sauté: Reduce skillet heat, melt butter, and briefly sauté minced garlic to release its aromatic essence.
5. Vegetable Cooking: Introduce chopped vegetables to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 6-8 minutes until crisp-tender with slight caramelization.
6. Final Fusion: Gently reintegrate seared shrimp into the vegetable medley, stirring to distribute heat and blend flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the skillet for a vibrant herbal finish, then serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Perfect Veggie Cutting: Slice zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers into uniform cubes for even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
• Spice Coating Technique: Thoroughly coat raw shrimp with Cajun seasoning and paprika, ensuring each piece is completely covered for maximum flavor infusion.
• Seafood Searing Pro Tip: Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for vibrant pink color and slight golden crust to prevent overcooking.
• Flavor Layering Trick: Sauté garlic in melted butter before adding vegetables to create a rich, aromatic base that enhances the entire dish’s depth and complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg