These cheesy garlic shrimp and vegetable foil packets bring a complete seafood dinner together in 25 minutes. Large shrimp, red onion, green bell pepper, and carrots cook in a sealed foil packet with butter, garlic powder, and oregano. Mozzarella melts over the top while the covered skillet traps the savory juices inside.

With 10 minutes of prep and little cleanup, this is a practical dinner for a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Shrimp

• Ready in 25 minutes: Prep takes 10 minutes, followed by 12–15 minutes of cooking.
• Easy cleanup: The shrimp, vegetables, butter, and cheese cook together inside the foil.
• Plenty of flavor: Garlic powder, oregano, and melted butter season every layer.
• A satisfying finish: Mozzarella melts over the shrimp and colorful vegetables.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red onion, sliced into rings
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into rings
• 2 carrots, cut into sticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Ingredient Notes

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined large shrimp keep prep quick. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them before assembling the packet and remove excess surface moisture.

Carrots: Cut the sticks to a similar size so they have the best chance of becoming tender during the shrimp’s short cooking time.

Olive oil and butter: The olive oil goes on the foil beneath the vegetables. Cubed butter is scattered throughout the packet so it can melt around the ingredients.

Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the shrimp and vegetables before sealing the packet for a melted, cheesy finish.

How to Make Shrimp and Vegetable Foil Packets

1. Prepare the foil

Lay a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil on your work surface. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over its center.

2. Layer the vegetables

Arrange the red onion rings over the oil. Add the green bell pepper rings and carrot sticks, spreading the vegetables into an even layer.

3. Season the vegetables

Sprinkle the vegetables evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

4. Add the shrimp

Arrange the 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp evenly over the seasoned vegetables.

5. Add the butter, cheese, and oregano

Scatter 4 tablespoons cubed butter throughout the packet. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the shrimp and vegetables, then finish with 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

6. Seal the packet

Fold the foil tightly around the ingredients and seal all the edges. A secure seal helps hold in the steam and buttery cooking juices.

7. Cook in a covered skillet

Place the sealed packet in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet and cook for 12–15 minutes, until the shrimp are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

8. Open carefully and serve

Open the foil away from your hands and face to avoid the hot steam. Serve immediately while the shrimp and vegetables are hot and the mozzarella is melted.

How to Keep Shrimp Tender in a Foil Packet

Shrimp can become rubbery if they stay over the heat too long. Cut the carrots into evenly sized sticks, spread out the shrimp, and begin checking the packet near the 12-minute mark.

The FDA’s seafood guidance says cooked shrimp flesh becomes firm, pearly, and opaque. Once the shrimp look that way and the vegetables are tender, the packet is ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Foil Packets

• Use heavy-duty foil. It needs to hold the ingredients and cooking juices without tearing.
• Distribute the shrimp evenly. Avoid a thick pile in the center of the packet.
• Spread the seasonings across the vegetables. This helps flavor the whole packet.
• Seal every edge securely. The enclosed steam helps cook the shrimp and vegetables.
• Open with care. Steam can escape quickly from the hot packet.

What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Foil Packets

The shrimp and vegetables can make a simple meal on their own. For something more filling, serve them and their buttery juices over rice or alongside crusty bread.

A quick and easy arugula salad adds a fresh, peppery side. For more seafood dinner ideas, try sweet and sour glazed shrimp or crispy honey garlic salmon.

Storage and Reheating

Remove leftovers from the foil and transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly. Reheat the shrimp and vegetables in a covered skillet over low heat until thoroughly reheated, avoiding longer cooking than needed to preserve the shrimp’s texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw them before assembling the packet, then remove excess surface moisture. The FDA recommends thawing frozen seafood in the refrigerator.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

The flesh should be firm, pearly, and opaque. Start checking near the lower end of the 12–15 minute cooking window, and make sure the vegetables are tender too.

Why did my shrimp turn rubbery?

They may have cooked too long. Check for doneness at about 12 minutes instead of automatically cooking for the full 15 minutes.

Why aren’t my carrots tender?

Thick or uneven carrot sticks may need more time. Cut them into reasonably uniform sticks when preparing the packet.

Do I need to cover the skillet?

Yes. This recipe cooks the sealed foil packet in a covered skillet over medium heat for 12–15 minutes.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead?

You can slice the onion, bell pepper, and carrots in advance and refrigerate them. Keep the raw shrimp chilled and assemble the packet close to cooking time.

These cheesy garlic shrimp and vegetable foil packets deliver tender shrimp, colorful vegetables, and melted mozzarella with just one packet to clean up. They’re an easy way to put a flavorful seafood dinner on the table in about 25 minutes.