Creamy Hippy Pepper Jack Shrimp Skillet (One-Pan Dish)

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/932611_7af4d348f3bc4dd5b6cffc59f093e232/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

This skillet is a quick, one-pan meal loaded with protein and veggies. Lower carb, high protein, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

This bright, veggie-packed one-pan skillet is a midlife weeknight winner. Tender shrimp, zucchini, squash, spinach, and burst tomatoes come together in a light, creamy sauce made with pepper jack cheese and cottage cheese for a flavorful kick. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and full of flavor — all in one skillet with minimal cleanup.

We keep it lighter by using half and half instead of heavy cream, but it still delivers that rich, cheesy comfort you crave. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and comes together in one pan — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Serve it as-is, over cauliflower rice, pasta, or rice of your choice. And for a delicious bonus, serve with a slice of sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce. Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed (can use frozen or fresh)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, whole + 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning, divided

• 1-1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2-3 handfuls of baby spinach

• ½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded or 3-4 slices cut into small pieces

• 1 zucchini, quartered

• 1 yellow squash, quartered1 small red onion, chopped

• ½ cup low fat cottage cheese (small curd is best)

• ½ cup half and half

• Parsley for serving (optional)

This skillet delivers everything you want: high protein from shrimp and cottage cheese, loads of veggies, and a spicy, cheesy sauce. 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place the cut zucchini and squash in a colander lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture (don’t skip - see Pro Tip below!).

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 Tbsp Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning. Cook until pink, then remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium and add the butter. When the butter is melted, add the garlic cloves and minced garlic and stir, cooking until fragrant (about a minute).

4. Add tomatoes, zucchini, and squash and season with the remaining Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning. Cook until the tomatoes begin to burst and veggies soften.

5. Stir in spinach until wilted. Stir in the half and half, pepper jack cheese, and cottage cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the cheese melt into a creamy sauce.

6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Continue to simmer for about 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with parsley if desired before serving.

PRO TIP: How to salt zucchini properly to prevent watery zucchini and squash in your skillet

• After cutting, place pieces in a colander lined with paper towels or lay out flat on paper towels.

• Sprinkle generously with salt.

• Let sit 10–15 minutes, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. This draws out excess moisture so your veggies stay crisp-tender and your sauce stays creamy instead of watery.

Why This Works

Zucchini is 95% water. Salting pulls that water out through osmosis, which prevents a soggy texture and helps it brown better when cooked.

Quick Tips for Your Hippy Recipes:

• In the Creamy Hippy Pepper Jack Shrimp Skillet, this step is especially helpful because it keeps the zucchini from releasing water into your creamy sauce.

• You can salt both zucchini and yellow squash at the same time.

• Don’t skip patting dry — this is the most important part!

Flavor Tips:

• Add red pepper flakes for some added heat.

• Swap Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs for pepper jack for a different twist.

• Use heavy cream in place of half and half if you prefer a richer sauce.

• Can add Italian seasoning and basil for an Italian flair.