What if you could grill a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes? This easy one pan recipe combines garlic parmesan shrimp and veggies for a quick weeknight dinner solution that’s perfect for a family favorite meal – save this idea for a homemade dinner that’s ready fast, try it soon!

one pan 20 – minute garlic parmesan shrimp and veggies on the grill

Introduction

Imagine a dish that’s not only quick to make but also bursts with flavor, using ingredients you likely have in your pantry. The one pan 20-minute garlic parmesan shrimp and veggies on the grill is a culinary masterpiece that achieves all this and more. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends and family. This recipe combines the succulence of shrimp, the vibrancy of colorful vegetables, and the richness of garlic parmesan, all cooked to perfection in just one pan on the grill. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when simplicity meets creativity in the kitchen.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This dish strikes a perfect balance between the savory taste of shrimp, the slight bitterness of veggies, and the aromatic essence of garlic parmesan, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of palates.
• Ease of preparation: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep time and the use of everyday ingredients, it’s a go-to for busy evenings when you want a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease, the dish presents beautifully, with the grilled shrimp and veggies offering a pop of color and the garlic parmesan sauce adding a luxurious touch, making it perfect for entertaining.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients include large shrimp, a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like parsley or basil. For practical substitutions, you can use different types of protein like chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option, and swap out veggies based on what’s in season. The garlic parmesan sauce can be made from scratch or store-bought, depending on your preference and the time you have available.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Peel and de-vein the shrimp, slice the bell peppers and zucchini, halve the cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, and chop any fresh herbs you’re using. Measure out your olive oil, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat a large grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you like.
4. Step 4: To make the garlic parmesan sauce, simply mix grated parmesan cheese with minced garlic and a bit of olive oil. You can adjust the amount of garlic and cheese to your taste. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the top, and toss everything together to combine. Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and herbs if desired.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy texture on your veggies, make sure to not overcrowd the pan and cook them in batches if necessary. Also, don’t stir them too frequently to allow a nice sear to develop.
• If using wooden skewers for a more traditional grill experience, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the shrimp and veggies to prevent them from burning.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they’re pink and opaque, then remove them from the heat.

Heat Control

Maintaining the right heat is crucial for this dish. Medium-high heat is ideal for searing the shrimp and getting a nice char on the vegetables. However, keep an eye on the temperature and adjust as needed to prevent burning. For doneness, the shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the vegetables should be tender but still retain some crunch.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right texture is key to the success of this dish. The shrimp should be succulent and tender, while the vegetables should have a bit of crunch to them. To ensure this, don’t overcook the veggies, and consider adding some crunchy elements like toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs on top as a garnish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Marinating the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for even 10-15 minutes before cooking can enhance their flavor significantly.
• Using a cast-iron or stainless steel pan is recommended for grill cooking, as these retain heat well and can achieve a nice sear.
• For easier cleanup, line your grill pan with aluminum foil before cooking, making sure to cut slits in it to allow for air circulation.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of olive oil if necessary to keep the dish moist.
• Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the texture of the shrimp and vegetables can become unpleasantly soft upon thawing.
• When reheating, make sure the shrimp are heated through to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to ensure food safety.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best served fresh, if you’re looking to gift something related, consider packaging a homemade garlic parmesan seasoning mix in decorative jars or bags, complete with a recipe card for this dish. Alternatively, a gift basket filled with fresh vegetables, a block of parmesan cheese, and some artisanal olive oil, along with a cookbook or a kitchen gadget, could inspire the recipient to try their hand at this recipe.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or some dried basil for an Italian twist.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some toasted breadcrumbs, chopped nuts, or seeds for extra crunch, or some diced fresh chili for an extra kick.
• Ingredient swaps: Swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu, or use different types of vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers of various colors.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your shrimp become tough, it’s likely they were overcooked. For vegetables that are too soft, they might have been cooked for too long or at too high a heat.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find parmesan cheese, other hard cheeses like pecorino or romano can be used as substitutes. For garlic, you can use garlic powder in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
• Over/undercooking signs: Shrimp that are undercooked will be translucent and soft to the touch, while overcooked shrimp are opaque and firm. Vegetables should be tender but still crisp; if they’re too soft, they’re overcooked.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? It’s not recommended to freeze this dish due to the potential for the shrimp and vegetables to become mushy upon thawing.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust the heat as necessary to prevent overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

This one pan 20-minute garlic parmesan shrimp and veggies on the grill is a versatile and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. With its quick preparation time, flavorful ingredients, and healthy nutritional profile, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!