Quick, Easy & Irresistibly Delicious!
Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner? This 20-Minute Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles is your answer! Featuring tender shrimp, spiralized zucchini noodles, and a fragrant garlic butter sauce, this dish is light, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or anyone on a low-carb journey, this recipe is ready in just 20 minutes. Simple, healthy, and oh-so-tasty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
✅ Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with tender shrimp, fresh zucchini noodles, and a rich garlic butter sauce – a light, yet satisfying meal bursting with flavor.
✅ Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: A naturally low-carb option that fits well into a variety of dietary preferences. Great for anyone on a low-carb or keto journey.
✅ Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and variety.
✅ Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like shrimp, zucchini, garlic, and basic seasonings, making it easy to whip up any night of the week.
✅ Healthy and Satisfying: Provides a balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats to keep you energized and satisfied without feeling heavy.
✅ Delicious Garnishes: Simple garnishes like fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and lemon wedges elevate the flavors for a restaurant-quality dish.
🛠️ Equipment
- Spiralizer or Vegetable Peeler: To make zucchini noodles.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: For cooking shrimp and zucchini noodles.
- Garlic Press or Knife: For mincing garlic.
- Measuring Spoons: To ensure accurate proportions of seasonings.
- Tongs or Wooden Spoon: For tossing and combining ingredients.
Base Ingredients:
- For the Shrimp:1 lb (450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the Zucchini Noodles: 4 medium zucchini (spiralized or cut into thin noodles)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic (optional, for added flavor)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Optional Garnishes:Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)
- Lemon wedges (for added zesty brightness)
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles.
- Pat the noodles dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This will prevent them from becoming mushy when cooked.
- Prep the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mince 4 cloves of garlic for the sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic & Zucchini Noodles: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tsp minced garlic. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini noodles and toss them with the garlic butter sauce. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the zucchini noodles are tender but not mushy. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Combine the Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until the shrimp and zucchini noodles are well coated in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice if desired.
- Tips for Success: Don’t Overcook the Zucchini Noodles:
- Overcooking can make them mushy. Stir-fry just until tender with a slight bite.
- Prep Your Ingredients in Advance: Having your garlic, shrimp, and zucchini noodles ready to go ensures everything will cook quickly and smoothly.
- Add a Flavor Boost: For a zesty finish, try adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the mix for added nutrition and flavor.
Notes:
- For Low-Carb Diets: This dish is naturally low-carb. However, you can pair it with rice or whole-grain bread if you prefer a heartier option.
- Allergies: If you have a shellfish allergy, swap out the shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu as a protein alternative.
🍏 Extra Info:
- Storage Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Make Ahead Tip:
- While zucchini noodles are best fresh, you can prep and store them for up to 2 days ahead of time in the fridge.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, without optional garnishes):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 30% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
❓ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp are perfectly fine to use. Just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Q. What can I use instead of zucchini noodles?
You can substitute zucchini noodles with spaghetti squash, rice noodles, or traditional pasta if you prefer.
Q. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can store leftovers for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
Q. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic butter.
Q. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is naturally low in carbs and is keto-friendly when paired with low-carb alternatives.
Q. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms to make it even more nutrient-packed.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Enjoy this 20-Minute Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles as a quick weeknight dinner or as a light, healthy meal! 🦐🍋🥒✨