Description
Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp is a quick and light dinner featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic, lemon, and herbs served over fresh zucchini noodles. This dish is flavorful, low-carb, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Zucchini Noodles:
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they brown properly. Toss them with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for seasoning.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Lemon: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma. Stir in fresh lemon juice, then transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Zucchini Noodles: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the remaining garlic. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté them gently for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly tender but still crisp. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
- Season and Combine: Season the zucchini noodles with salt and black pepper. Toss with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten flavors.
- Serve: Divide the zucchini noodles between bowls and top with the garlic shrimp. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley or lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the zucchini noodles; they should remain slightly crisp to avoid becoming watery.
- Patting the shrimp dry before cooking helps achieve a better sear instead of steaming them.
- For extra vegetables, add cherry tomatoes or spinach to the zucchini noodles.
- For a creamier dish, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or light cream into the zucchini noodles before serving.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Low-Carb, Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean
