Description
Juicy shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with fresh zucchini noodles. This quick, flavorful, and low-carb meal is perfect for a light weeknight dinner, offering a delicious blend of garlic, lemon, and herbs that complements the tender shrimp and fresh zucchini perfectly.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Zucchini Noodles and Sauce
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, optional
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper for a flavorful base.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the zucchini noodles: Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently for 2–3 minutes. Cook just until they are slightly tender but still firm to avoid sogginess and watery texture.
- Combine shrimp and zucchini: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to brighten the flavors. Toss everything together gently for about 1 minute until well coated with the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan on top if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking zucchini noodles as they release water and become soggy.
- For a saucier dish, add 2–3 tbsp chicken broth while cooking zucchini noodles.
- Substitute some butter with olive oil for a lighter, heart-healthy version.
- Add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American, Mediterranean-Inspired
