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Lunch recipe · from the recipe book

Shrimp, Zucchini and Orzo-Style Pasta Gratin

Tender shrimp, zucchini, spinach and pasta in a garlicky creamy tomato-tinged sauce under a crisp, nutty Parmesan crumb.

Shrimp, Zucchini and Orzo-Style Pasta Gratin

Ingredients

  • 1 lb500 gShrimptails removed, halved if large
  • 8 oz220 gPasta, dryshort shape such as penne
  • 1½ medium300 gZucchinidiced
  • 4 cups loosely packed120 gBaby spinach
  • 1⅓ cups200 gCherry tomatoeshalved
  • 1 medium110 gYellow onionfinely chopped
  • 4 cloves12 gGarlicminced
  • 1½ tbsp20 gOlive oil
  • 1½ tbsp20 gUnsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp25 gAll-purpose flour
  • 1¾ cups (410 ml)420 gMilk, 2%
  • ½ cup120 gLow-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp20 gTomato paste
  • 2 tsp4 gLemon zest
  • 1 tbsp15 gLemon juice
  • 1¼ tsp3 gPaprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ½ tsp1 gCrushed red pepper
  • ½ tsp3 gSalt
  • ½ tsp1 gBlack pepper
  • ¼ cup30 gPlain dry breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated45 gGrated Parmesan
  • 2½ tbsp chopped10 gFresh parsleychopped

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta for 3 minutes less than the package time, drain and set aside.
  3. Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook the onion and zucchini 5 minutes until softened, then add the garlic for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in the spinach until wilted, then transfer the vegetables to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. In the same skillet, melt the butter, whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute.
  6. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, then the tomato paste, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper; simmer 3 to 4 minutes until thickened.
  7. Take the sauce off the heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
  8. Add the pasta, raw shrimp and cherry tomatoes to the baking dish, pour over the sauce and stir gently to coat.
  9. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs and Parmesan with the remaining half of the olive oil, then scatter over the casserole.
  10. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling, the top is golden and the shrimp are pink and opaque, 145°F (63°C).
  11. Rest 5 minutes, sprinkle with the parsley and serve.

Contains: Milk, Shellfish, Gluten. Some brands contain egg, soy.

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Saved in the Every Helping recipe book on October 24, 2026.

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