Gluten-Free Shrimp & Zucchini Bow Tie Pasta in Red Pepper Sauce

Need a go-to recipe for your next book club night or cozy reading evening? This gluten-free shrimp and zucchini pasta is vibrant, easy to make, and perfect for pairing with your favorite paperback or hosting a low-key book swap with friends. A red pepper bruschetta twist gives it a flavorful punch without the fuss—just the way we like our weeknight dinners.

Why This Recipe Is a Book Night Favorite

We swap in Jovial Farfalle Pasta —gluten-free but so delicious you won’t miss the wheat. Paired with shrimp, zucchini, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for readers with dietary preferences.

Recipe Products Used

• Broth: Kitchen Basics Chicken Broth (Unsalted)
• Seasoning: Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Italian Seasoning
• Pasta: Jovial Farfalle
• Cookware: 12-inch nonstick skillet (the one I use)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Gluten-Free Shrimp & Zucchini Bow Tie Pasta in Red Pepper Sauce

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 30 min

Ingredients

• 8 oz gluten-free bow tie pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 tbsp Spicy Italian sun-dried tomato seasoning
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup red pepper bruschetta spread, add more if needed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2–1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Simple Swaps & Substitutions

This recipe is flexible—here are a few easy swaps that still keep the flavor (and the “book night” vibe) intact.

• Protein swap: Replace shrimp with thin-sliced chicken (or rotisserie chicken). Cook chicken first, then continue with the veggies and sauce.
• Sauce variation: Want it extra cozy? Stir in 1–2 tablespoons basil pesto at the very end for a richer, herby finish.
• Heat control: If the red pepper spread runs spicy, use a little less and add a splash more broth for a gentler sauce.
• Veggie options: Spinach, sliced mushrooms, or bell peppers all work well—add them when you sauté the zucchini and onion.
• Dairy-friendly finish (optional): If you usually add Parmesan, use a little at serving—or skip it entirely and brighten with extra parsley + a squeeze of lemon.

Tip: Keep substitutions to one “main” change at a time (protein OR sauce) so the dish stays balanced.

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, season the shrimp with the Italian sun-dried tomato seasoning. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced zucchini, red onions, and carrots. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Add the shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until shrimp are pink and fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes.
7. Stir in the red pepper bruschetta spread and cooked pasta. Toss until well combined and heated through.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

🍝 Pasta Cooking Tips

I add a small drizzle of olive oil to the pasta water — it helps reduce cloudiness and keeps gluten-free pasta from sticking. Jovial is the one brand I consistently use that doesn’t fall apart or lose its shape.

Cooking time varies depending on the type of gluten-free pasta used (rice, chickpea, corn, etc.). Start checking around 6 minutes. You want the pasta to be tender but not mushy — avoid overcooking for best texture.

Serve it up with a chilled glass of white wine and a good friends-to-lovers romance novel. Whether you’re hosting a book club dinner or just making dinner-for-one while reading your current TBR, this pasta has the charm and ease to match the mood.

Perfect Book Pairing

Sugar’s Twice as Sweet

by Marina Adair

A warm, small-town romance full of community, heart, and just enough sweetness to balance the red pepper heat in this dish.

Perfect for Book Club Nights

This dish doubles beautifully and keeps well—ideal for hosting. Pair with white wine or a citrus mocktail and finish with chocolate-dipped fruit.

Swap a Book, Host a Dinner

Want to shake up your reading routine? Host a book-swap dinner and let everyone bring a gently loved read to trade.