Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Foil

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cut four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Each piece should be large enough to hold one portion of vegetables and shrimp while leaving enough extra foil to fold and seal the packet.

Place the foil pieces on your work surface with the shiny or dull side facing either direction, as either side can be used.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine:

• 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the melted butter.

The sauce should smell fragrant and have a rich golden appearance.

Set aside a small amount if you want to reserve some sauce for finishing the dish, but keep the remaining sauce ready for the packets.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the zucchini, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

Slice the zucchini into rounds or half-moons.

Remove the seeds and stem from the red bell pepper and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the red onion.

Divide all the vegetables evenly among the four prepared foil pieces.

Try to distribute the ingredients so each packet contains a balanced combination of zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, and onion.

Step 4: Give the Vegetables a Head Start

Drizzle the vegetables with a portion of the prepared garlic butter sauce.

Toss gently if needed to coat them.

Fold the foil over the vegetables and seal the edges, leaving a little space inside for steam to circulate.

Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 8–10 minutes.

This initial cooking stage allows the vegetables to begin softening before the shrimp are added.

Step 5: Add the Shrimp

Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.

Remember that the foil packets will be hot and contain trapped steam.

Using oven mitts or suitable utensils, carefully open each packet.

Divide the peeled, deveined shrimp evenly among the four packets.

Arrange the shrimp over the partially cooked vegetables.

Drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and vegetables.

Make sure the shrimp are lightly coated so they absorb the delicious garlic and herb flavors during cooking.

Step 6: Reseal and Cook the Shrimp

Fold the foil back over the ingredients and seal the edges securely.

Return the packets to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes.

Cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and the amount of food in each packet.

The shrimp should become opaque and firm, with a pearly appearance.

For food safety, check that the shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Avoid cooking them longer than necessary because overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

Step 7: Add the Mozzarella Cheese

Once the shrimp are cooked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.

Open the packets carefully, allowing the hot steam to escape away from your hands and face.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the shrimp and vegetables.

Return the packets to the oven uncovered for approximately 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Keep an eye on the cheese to prevent excessive browning.

The mozzarella should become soft, melted, and deliciously gooey.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the packets from the oven.

Sprinkle each serving with freshly chopped parsley.

Allow them to cool slightly before serving because the sauce, vegetables, and foil will be extremely hot.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

Your Cheesy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables Foil Packets are ready to enjoy!