Cheesy Garlic Shrimp & Vegetable Foil Packets

Cheesy Garlic Shrimp & Vegetable Foil Packets are an easy, flavorful dinner made with tender shrimp, fresh green beans, carrot sticks, garlic butter, Italian seasoning, and melted mozzarella cheese. Everything cooks together inside foil packets, which keeps the shrimp juicy and the vegetables perfectly seasoned.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly with simple ingredients and very little cleanup. You can bake the packets in the oven or cook them in a covered skillet, making this a flexible meal for any season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor. The shrimp cook fast, the vegetables stay fresh and tender, and the garlic butter melts into every bite.

You’ll also love how simple cleanup is. Since everything cooks inside foil packets, there are fewer dishes to wash afterward.

The mozzarella cheese makes this dish extra comforting. It melts over the shrimp and vegetables, creating a creamy, savory finish that pairs beautifully with the lemon juice and parsley added at the end.

ingredients

You’ll need large shrimp that are peeled and deveined so they cook quickly and are easy to eat. Fresh green beans and carrots add color, texture, and natural sweetness.

Olive oil helps prevent sticking and gives the vegetables a light coating before cooking. Butter adds richness, while minced garlic brings bold flavor to the shrimp and vegetables.

Mozzarella cheese melts over the top for a cheesy finish. Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes add savory flavor with just a little heat. Fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten the dish before serving.

how to make it

Start by laying out 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Heavy-duty foil works best because it holds up well while cooking and helps seal in the steam.

Drizzle olive oil in the center of each foil sheet. Divide the green beans and carrot sticks evenly between the sheets, placing them in the center so the packets can fold easily.

Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the shrimp on top of the vegetables, then sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over everything.

Scatter the cubed butter over the shrimp and vegetables. Top each packet with shredded mozzarella cheese and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.

Fold each foil sheet tightly into a sealed packet. Make sure the edges are closed well so the steam stays inside while cooking.

Cook the packets in a covered skillet over medium heat, or bake them at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and the vegetables should be tender.

Carefully open the packets because hot steam will escape. Drizzle each serving with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve right away.

Cooking Tips and Serving Ideas

For the best texture, use large shrimp and avoid overcooking them. Shrimp cook very quickly, so check them near the 12-minute mark.

Cut the carrots into thin sticks so they cook at the same time as the green beans and shrimp. If the carrot pieces are too thick, they may stay too firm.

For a bubbly golden cheese finish, carefully open the packets during the last 2 minutes of cooking and place them briefly under the broiler. Watch closely so the cheese does not burn.

These foil packets are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with rice, pasta, crusty bread, cauliflower rice, or a simple side salad.

How to Store and Prep Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, remove the food from the foil before storing.

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Avoid overheating because shrimp can become rubbery.

To prep ahead, trim the green beans, cut the carrots, mince the garlic, and measure the seasonings in advance. You can also peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time. Assemble the foil packets shortly before cooking for the freshest texture.

Common Questions Answered

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw the shrimp completely first and pat them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the packets watery.

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes. Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, broccoli florets, or snap peas can work well. Choose vegetables that cook quickly or cut firmer vegetables into smaller pieces.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes. You can leave out the mozzarella for a lighter garlic butter shrimp and vegetable packet.

Can I cook these on the grill?

Yes. Place the sealed foil packets on a preheated grill over medium heat and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

The shrimp should be pink, opaque, and curled into a loose C shape. If they curl very tightly, they may be overcooked.

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