Quick and Delicious Shrimp Dinners for Easy Weeknights

These shrimp tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. In just about 20 minutes, you can have a fresh and zesty meal ready to serve.

Ingredients

1 pound of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn or flour tortillas

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 avocado, sliced

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp is cooking, warm the tortillas in another skillet or microwave.

Assemble Tacos: Place a layer of shredded cabbage on each tortilla, top with shrimp, avocado slices, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serve with Lime: Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing.

Creamy Shrimp Pasta

If you’re in the mood for something creamy, this shrimp pasta is for you. It combines a rich sauce with tender shrimp and is ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

8 ounces of pasta (linguine or fettuccine works great)

1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, then add the shrimp. Sauté until they are pink.

Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir well and allow it to thicken, adding pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

Combine: Toss the drained pasta with the shrimp and sauce, mixing until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Shrimp Stir-Fry

When you need something healthy and quick, shrimp stir-fry is the answer. It’s a one-pan dish that’s versatile and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

Heat the Oil: In a large wok or skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.

Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

Add Shrimp and Vegetables: Toss in the shrimp and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked and vegetables are tender-crisp.

Add Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce, mixing everything well, then cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.

Serve: Serve over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers

Making shrimp skewers is fun and perfect for grilling season, but they can also be made in the oven. They are a great way to add a bit of excitement to your weeknight meals.

Ingredients

1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 zucchinis, sliced into rounds

1 bell pepper, cut into chunks

1 red onion, cut into wedges

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

Preheat the Grill/Oven: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Skewer the Ingredients: Thread the shrimp, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers alternately.

Brush with Marinade: Brush the skewers with the marinade.

Cook: Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Nutrition Facts Table

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values of our shrimp dishes:

Dish	Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)
Shrimp Tacos	350	25	15	32
Creamy Shrimp Pasta	600	30	35	45
Shrimp Stir-Fry	250	28	10	18
Shrimp Skewers	280	24	12	20

---

You can absolutely get a head start on these shrimp recipes by prepping some ingredients beforehand. For example, chopping up your favorite vegetables or marinating the shrimp in advance can save you time when you’re ready to cook. This way, you won’t feel rushed during the actual cooking process, which is especially helpful on those busy weeknights.

That said, when it comes to cooking the shrimp itself, timing is crucial. Shrimp is best enjoyed when it’s cooked to perfection, so it’s ideal to prepare it just prior to serving. Cooking the shrimp right before you eat ensures the meat stays tender and juicy, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. A little planning can go a long way, but remember that for that delightful, fresh taste, waiting until the last moment to cook is the way to go.

---

What is the cooking time for shrimp dinners?

The cooking time for shrimp dinners typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the recipe you choose. Most quick shrimp dishes, like tacos and stir-fries, can be completed in about 20 minutes.

Can I use frozen shrimp for these recipes?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for these recipes. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Thawing in cold water or overnight in the refrigerator are good options.

What vegetables can I add to shrimp stir-fry?

You can add a variety of vegetables to shrimp stir-fry, such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, and carrots. Feel free to customize based on your personal preference or seasonal availability.

Are these recipes healthy?

Yes, these shrimp recipes are generally healthy options. They are high in protein, low in carbs (compared to many pasta dishes), and packed with nutrients from vegetables. Just watch portions and any added sauces to keep them balanced.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

While shrimp dishes are best served freshly cooked, you can prepare some ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping vegetables or marinating the shrimp. However, it’s recommended to cook the shrimp just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.