Save Succulent shrimp sauteed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over fresh, tender zucchini noodles for a light and flavorful meal.
I first tried this garlic butter shrimp with zucchini noodles when searching for a light dinner that didn&t compromise on taste. It&s now a go-to meal in our house whenever we want something delicious, satisfying and healthy on busy nights.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: 450 g (1 lb), peeled and deveined
- Zucchini: 4 medium, spiralized into noodles
- Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups, halved (optional)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, optional
- Lemon wedges: For garnish
Instructions
- Prepare shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook shrimp:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes:
- Add the cherry tomatoes (if using) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Cook zucchini noodles:
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss gently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Combine:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, add lemon juice and chopped parsley, and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Season:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges if desired.
Save This dish is always a hit at our family dinners, especially in summer when zucchini is plentiful. Even those who aren't fans of zucchini enjoy it when served this way because the garlic butter sauce adds incredible flavor.
Required Tools
Large skillet, spiralizer or julienne peeler, cutting board and knife, tongs
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the zucchini noodles. Substitute zucchini with yellow squash noodles or use a mix. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness but can be omitted. Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 290, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 7 g, Protein: 28 g (per serving)
Save This garlic butter shrimp with zucchini noodles is simple yet special, making every meal feel a bit fancier. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy dinner in just 25 minutes!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the best way to cook shrimp for this dish?
Pat shrimp dry and season lightly. Sauté in butter over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque for tender, juicy shrimp.
- → How can zucchini noodles be prepared to stay crisp?
Toss zucchini noodles gently in the skillet and cook only 2–3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly while maintaining a fresh, crisp texture.
- → Can cherry tomatoes be omitted or substituted?
Yes, cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color but can be left out for a simpler version without losing flavor.
- → What are some good garnishes for enhancing this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges add richness and brightness, complementing the garlic butter and shrimp.
- → Is this dish suitable for special diets?
It is low carb and gluten-free. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and use a suitable butter substitute.