Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super quick — dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
One-pan cooking — minimal pots, easy cleanup.
Light yet satisfying — protein-packed shrimp with nutrient-rich zucchini.
Aromatic and indulgent — rich garlic butter flavor with fresh brightness.
Customizable — adapt spice, garnishes, or serve over pasta/rice.
Diet-friendly — perfect for keto, low-carb, gluten-free, and Whole30.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tail-on or off)
2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Zest and juice of ½ lemon, plus wedges for serving
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2 – Cook the Shrimp
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Once bubbling, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp, set aside.
Step 3 – Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn). Stir in lemon zest and juice, then place shrimp back to rewarm, coating in the sauce.
Step 4 – Sauté the Zucchini Noodles
Push shrimp aside. Add zucchini noodles to the same pan. Toss gently for 1–2 minutes until just softened, coating them in garlic butter. Zucchini should be tender but still have some bite.
Step 5 – Finish and Serve
Turn off heat. Sprinkle parsley (and Parmesan if using). Toss gently to combine shrimp and noodles. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and herbs.
Flavor Tips & Prep Suggestions
Drying shrimp ensures they sear nicely and don’t steam.
Use a good spiralizer or veggie peeler for neat noodles.
To prevent zucchini from getting soggy, stir briefly—overcooking releases water.
Add color with cherry tomatoes or mushrooms if desired.
Leftovers? Reheat quickly in a pan or microwave with a splash of water to revive noodles.
Variations to Try
Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
Herb Boost: Add basil, chives, or cilantro instead of parsley.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha.
Asian Flavor: Replace butter with sesame oil, add soy or tamari, and top with scallions.
Garlic Lovers: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for an extra pungent depth.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
For meal prep, cook shrimp/garlic sauce separately and keep zucchini raw. Reheat both together briefly when serving.
Store in airtight container in fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen noodles.
Freezing? Not ideal; zucchini noodles lose texture when frozen/thawed.
Serving Recommendations
Serve with a fresh side like kale salad or grilled asparagus.
Add avocado slices for healthy fat and creamy texture.
If not keto, swap zucchini noodles for linguine or rice for variety.
A light white wine alternative: sparkling water with lemon or lime.
Nutritional Overview (approximate per serving, serves 4)
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 24g
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 8g (mostly from zucchini)
Fiber: 2g
Low-carb, high-protein, low-calorie, and nutrient-rich—just good, clean eats.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw thoroughly and pat dry before cooking for best texture.
What if I don’t have zucchini noodles?
Use spiralized carrots, spaghetti squash, or even whole wheat pasta (not low-carb then).
Is it too lemony?
Adjust lemon to your taste—start with half or more if desired.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use olive oil instead of butter, and skip or use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Can kids enjoy this?
Absolutely! Skip red pepper flakes for no heat, and let them enjoy.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to silky garlic butter flavor is building layers: sautéed garlic (not burned), butter sauce bound with lemon acidity, and quick-cooked shrimp that don’t dry out—all coated in that sauce along with tender zucchini “noodles.” One-pan efficiency paired with satisfying texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles recipe is your ticket to quick, flavorful, low-carb meals that feel gourmet with very little effort. Fresh, light, and ready in under 20 minutes, it suits all seasons and appetites. Whether you’re watching carbs, cooking for family, or just need dinner fast, this skillet star has you covered.
