This Easy Shrimp Vegetable Skillet is a quick and flavorful low-carb dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes. Packed with Cajun-seasoned shrimp, vibrant zucchini, and bell peppers, it’s a one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers a spicy and garlicky flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
• 1 large zucchini, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, cubed

Directions

1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and ½ tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Set aside to marinate.
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and stir to combine.
3. Add the sliced zucchini and cubed bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the marinated shrimp to the same skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
5. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Serve hot, optionally over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete low-carb meal.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 184 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 17g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 143mg
• Sodium: 653mg
• Potassium: 530mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 3522 IU
• Vitamin C: 91mg
• Calcium: 87mg
• Iron: 1mg

Why Choose This Recipe?

One of the standout features of the Easy Shrimp Vegetable Skillet is its simplicity. In just under 30 minutes, you can prepare a meal that is not only nutritious but also full of vibrant flavors. The Cajun seasoning gives the shrimp a bold, spicy kick, while the fresh zucchini and bell peppers provide a natural sweetness and crunch. It’s a recipe that doesn’t require a lot of preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and healthy meal. Additionally, this dish is customizable; you can easily adjust the level of spice or swap out the vegetables to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

The combination of shrimp and vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal that’s high in protein and fiber while keeping carbs low. This balance of macronutrients is not only great for weight management but also supports overall health. The addition of healthy fats from olive oil helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, ensuring that your body gets the most out of the ingredients. Furthermore, shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and contains essential minerals like iodine, which plays a crucial role in thyroid health.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp are considered a superfood by many nutritionists due to their high protein content and low fat. They are a great choice for anyone looking to boost their intake of protein without consuming excessive calories or fat. Additionally, shrimp are rich in selenium, an essential mineral that plays a key role in protecting cells from damage, improving immune function, and supporting cognitive health.

One of the notable health benefits of shrimp is their ability to help maintain a healthy heart. They are naturally low in fat, and the majority of the fat in shrimp is the heart-healthy unsaturated type. This makes shrimp a great addition to a heart-healthy diet. Furthermore, shrimp are high in antioxidants like astaxanthin, which is responsible for their pink color. Astaxanthin has been shown to reduce inflammation and protect the skin from UV damage.

Shrimp are also an excellent source of vitamin B12, a nutrient that is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of nerve function. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue, weakness, and neurological problems, so it’s important to include foods like shrimp that are rich in this vitamin in your diet.

Why Vegetables Matter

In this recipe, the vegetables used – zucchini and bell peppers – add not only flavor but a wealth of nutrients. Zucchini, for example, is low in calories and high in water content, making it a great vegetable to incorporate into any weight management or low-calorie diet. It’s also rich in antioxidants, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health. Furthermore, zucchini provides a good source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient for boosting the immune system and promoting skin health.

Bell peppers, on the other hand, are an excellent source of vitamin C, even more so than oranges. They also contain a variety of carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants that support eye health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. The sweet and crunchy texture of bell peppers complements the shrimp perfectly, creating a balance of textures that makes every bite more enjoyable.

Adding vegetables to your meals is a great way to increase your intake of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber is important for maintaining digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels, making this dish suitable for people with diabetes or those looking to prevent blood sugar spikes.

Cajun Seasoning: The Flavorful Kick

The heart of this recipe’s flavor profile lies in the Cajun seasoning, a vibrant blend of spices that provides a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy kick to the shrimp. Cajun seasoning typically includes a mixture of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. These spices not only add a punch of flavor but also offer various health benefits. For example, paprika is rich in antioxidants, while cayenne pepper can boost metabolism and promote fat burning. The blend of these spices creates a harmonious balance of heat, smokiness, and earthiness that elevates the overall flavor of the dish.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Another great benefit of the Easy Shrimp Vegetable Skillet is that it’s perfect for meal prepping. This dish keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it an ideal option for preparing your lunches or dinners ahead of time. The shrimp and vegetables reheat well, maintaining their flavor and texture, so you can enjoy a healthy, home-cooked meal without the stress of cooking every day.

Customizing the Dish

One of the best aspects of the Easy Shrimp Vegetable Skillet is its versatility. You can easily switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have available. For example, you can use asparagus, broccoli, or even spinach instead of zucchini and bell peppers. Similarly, if you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can swap it out for other types of seafood, such as scallops or white fish, or even chicken for a non-seafood option.

Conclusion

The Easy Shrimp Vegetable Skillet is a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients. It’s a meal that is not only satisfying but also supports a healthy, low-carb lifestyle. The shrimp provide a lean source of protein, while the vegetables offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The Cajun seasoning adds a flavorful punch, making each bite more exciting and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, this dish ticks all the boxes.