There’s something about shrimp scampi that just feels like a celebration on your plate. This version with zucchini noodles (aka “zoodles”) is lighter, yet just as flavorful—perfect for when you’re craving something fresh but indulgent at the same time. The juicy shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and zucchini noodles come together in perfect harmony. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about shrimp—it’s about the entire experience of bringing something delicious and impressive to the table with minimal effort. Here’s why this shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles will become a regular in your kitchen:
Light and Fresh: Zucchini noodles provide a healthy twist on a classic favorite, making this dish a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor. It’s the perfect meal for a summer evening or any time you want to feel good while indulging.
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in 20 minutes or less. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you just want to keep things stress-free.
Packed with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce is rich and garlicky with a kick of lemon, making the shrimp absolutely irresistible. Zucchini noodles absorb all that savory goodness, creating a flavor-packed bite every time.
Customizable: Whether you want to spice it up with red pepper flakes, add a squeeze of fresh lemon for more zing, or sprinkle some fresh herbs, this dish is incredibly easy to make your own.
Impressively Simple: It looks like something you’d get at a restaurant, but it’s so easy to prepare. Perfect for a date night, family dinner, or even a weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this zesty, garlic-packed shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles:
Shrimp: The star of the dish! Fresh, tender shrimp cook quickly and soak up the garlicky goodness of the sauce.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini, spiralized into noodles, makes for a light and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. It gives you all the texture of noodles, but with a fresh crunch.
Butter & Olive Oil: A combo that makes the sauce rich and luxurious. Olive oil adds flavor, while butter brings the creamy richness to the sauce.
Garlic: Loads of garlic is key to making the scampi sauce irresistible. The garlic cooks down into a fragrant base for the shrimp.
Lemon: A burst of fresh lemon juice and zest brightens the whole dish, making each bite pop with flavor.
Parmesan: A sprinkle of fresh grated parmesan at the end adds a little extra creaminess and umami.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little heat! You can skip this if you prefer something milder, but if you love spice, it gives the dish an extra zing.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into these easy steps to make this dish:
Prepare Your Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize your zucchini into noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make ribbons or purchase pre-made zucchini noodles from the store. Set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Add Lemon and Seasonings: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it cook for another minute to combine all the flavors.
Toss in the Zucchini Noodles: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they’re tender. Toss them around in the garlic butter sauce to coat them evenly.
Return Shrimp to the Skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through.
Finish with Parmesan and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parmesan over the top. Garnish with extra lemon slices or fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
This dish is delicious all on its own, but you can serve it with a few simple sides to elevate the meal:
Salads: A light, fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this dish. Think arugula, spinach, or a simple mixed greens salad.
Garlic Bread: If you’re craving a little extra, serve with warm garlic bread to mop up that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Roasted Veggies: A side of roasted veggies, like asparagus or cherry tomatoes, would complement the flavors of the shrimp beautifully.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs perfectly with this light, garlicky dish.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra things to keep in mind when making this recipe:
Prep Your Zucchini Noodles Ahead: You can spiralize your zucchini ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Don’t Overcook the Zucchini Noodles: Zucchini noodles cook quickly, so be careful not to overdo it. You want them tender but still with a little bite.
Add a Little Cream: If you want a richer sauce, you can stir in a little heavy cream or coconut milk when making the garlic butter sauce.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, sauté in a skillet for a couple of minutes until heated through.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular pasta instead of zucchini noodles?
A1: Yes! If you prefer traditional pasta, just cook it according to the package instructions and toss it in the garlic butter sauce instead of zucchini noodles.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the zucchini noodles and garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just assemble and cook the shrimp right before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to preserve texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s best to avoid freezing this dish as the zucchini noodles can become soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Q5: How do I make this dish spicier?
A5: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. You can also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra zing!
Q6: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A6: Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking for the best texture.
Q7: Can I use other veggies in place of zucchini noodles?
A7: Absolutely! You could try spaghetti squash, butternut squash noodles, or even sautéed spinach as a base instead of zucchini.
Q8: Can I add more veggies to the dish?
A8: Yes! Try adding sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted asparagus for extra veggies.
Q9: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A9: Yes! Feel free to use gluten-free pasta or any pasta you prefer in place of zucchini noodles.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A10: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter or olive oil to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the zucchini noodles.
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles is a light and flavorful twist on a classic favorite that’s as quick as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a simple, satisfying meal, this dish is sure to hit the spot. With a garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor and tender shrimp in every bite, you’ll be coming back for more!µ
Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles is a quick, lightened-up version of the classic dish. Using zucchini noodles instead of pasta, it’s a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. With the help of Gourmet Garden™ Garlic Stir-In Paste and Zesty Lemon Paste, this shrimp scampi is full of vibrant, robust flavors!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb zucchini noodles
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 teaspoons Gourmet Garden™ Garlic Stir-In Paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Gourmet Garden™ Zesty Lemon Ready to Use Paste
- 1 tablespoon Gourmet Garden™ Lightly Dried Chopped Parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini noodles and cook, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. Remove the noodles with tongs and place them on a serving platter. Cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe the skillet clean.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, Garlic Stir-In Paste, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.
- Stir in Zesty Lemon Paste and Lightly Dried Parsley.
- Serve the shrimp scampi over the zucchini noodles. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- If you want more zest, you can add extra lemon juice or zest.
- You can also use other types of pasta or noodles for a different variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 211
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 220mg