Short Description

Succulent shrimp, tender zucchini, and a burst of Mediterranean aromatics cook together in individual foil packets, creating a quick week-night dinner that’s light, flavorful, and virtually mess-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal cleanup: Everything steams inside its own pouch, so pans stay spotless.
Balanced nutrition: Lean protein, fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil in every bite.
Customizable: Adjust the heat, herbs, or add extra veggies without altering the method.
Great for grilling or baking: Perfect whether you fire up the barbecue or prefer the oven.
Meal-prep friendly: Assemble packets in advance, then cook when needed.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch half-moons
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red-pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C) or heat a grill to medium-high.
Prepare foil: Tear four pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 × 16 inches (30 × 40 cm). Lightly coat the centers with non-stick spray.
Season shrimp and vegetables: In a bowl, combine shrimp, zucchini, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, red-pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Assemble packets: Divide the zucchini between the foil sheets, forming a bed. Top with shrimp, a few lemon slices, and butter cubes. Fold long edges together and crimp, then fold in short edges to seal tightly.
Cook:
- Oven: Place packets on a baking sheet; bake 14–16 minutes, until shrimp are opaque and zucchini is tender.
- Grill: Arrange packets seam-side up on the grates; grill 12–14 minutes with the lid closed.
Finish: Let packets rest 2 minutes, carefully open (steam is hot!), and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Yield	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
4 servings	10 min	14–16 min	~25 min

Variations

Add color: Include halved cherry tomatoes or bell-pepper strips for extra vibrancy.
Cajun twist: Swap Italian seasoning for 1 Tbsp Cajun spice blend.
Low-FODMAP: Omit garlic and use garlic-infused oil; season with chives instead.
Herb butter: Replace plain butter with basil-pesto or lemon-dill compound butter.
Foil-free option: Use parchment packets if you prefer to avoid aluminum.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Cool leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container; store up to 2 days.
Reheat: Place contents in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water; warm 3–4 minutes until shrimp are heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen seafood.
Do not freeze: Cooked zucchini becomes watery and shrimp may toughen after freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture.

2. What size shrimp works best?

Large (26/30 count) or extra-large (21/25 count) ensure even cooking with the zucchini; smaller shrimp can overcook.

3. How do I prevent the packets from leaking?

Fold and crease edges tightly, and place packets seam-side up so juices stay contained during cooking.

4. Can I substitute another vegetable for zucchini?

Yellow squash, asparagus spears, or thin green-bean pods cook in roughly the same time and work well.

5. Is parchment paper safe on the grill?

Yes, but place packets over indirect heat and keep temperatures below 425 °F (220 °C) to avoid scorching.

6. How spicy is the dish with red-pepper flakes?

It delivers a gentle warmth; omit or reduce the flakes for a milder profile.

7. Can I prep the packets in advance?

Assemble up to 6 hours ahead, keep chilled, and cook directly from the refrigerator, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

8. What if I don’t have heavy-duty foil?

Layer two thinner sheets together for each packet to prevent tearing.

9. How do I know the shrimp are done?

They turn opaque with bright pink/orange accents and curl into a loose “C.” Over-cooked shrimp form a tight “O.”

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Prepare additional packets rather than over-stuffing; crowded packets steam unevenly.

Conclusion

Shrimp & Zucchini Foil Packets deliver restaurant-quality flavor with everyday convenience. Whether baked or grilled, each bundle locks in moisture, aromatics, and vibrant color—making it an ideal solution for busy evenings, healthy meal prep, or effortless outdoor dining. Enjoy the simplicity, savor the freshness, and relish the minimal cleanup that keeps week-night cooking stress-free.