SHRIMP ZUCCHINI NOODLES EASY RECIPE

Craving a light yet satisfying meal that bursts with flavor and won’t leave you feeling weighed down? Imagine tender shrimp dancing with vibrant zucchini noodles, all tossed in a garlicky, lemon-infused sauce. This Shrimp Zucchini Noodles recipe is your answer to a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner – and trust me, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Zucchini Noodles:

• 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Let’s Talk About Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles!)

Okay, friend, let’s get real about zoodles. They can be a little tricky, right? Sometimes they’re watery and sad. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! The key to perfect zoodles is to remove excess moisture. After spiralizing, gently salt them and let them sit in a colander for about 15-20 minutes. The salt draws out the water. Then, pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. Trust me, this makes all the difference!

Gear Up: What You’ll Need

• Spiralizer (or vegetable peeler for wider noodles)
• Large skillet or wok
• Colander
• Paper towels
• Cutting board
• Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prep the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll be rubbery!
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Zucchini Noodles

1. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet.
4. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini noodles are tender-crisp.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for another minute, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.

Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles.
2. Toss everything together to combine.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using).
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for Zoodle Perfection

• Don’t Overcook: Zucchini noodles cook quickly! Overcooking will result in mushy zoodles. Aim for tender-crisp.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces! A pesto sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce would also be delicious.
• Make it a Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping! Just store the shrimp and zucchini noodles separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat.

Variations to Make This Dish Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Shrimp Zucchini Noodles: Add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the shrimp marinade for a fiery kick.
• Creamy Shrimp Zucchini Noodles: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, more decadent sauce.
• Vegan Shrimp Zucchini Noodles: Use plant-based shrimp alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Side Dish Suggestions

While these Shrimp Zucchini Noodles are delicious on their own, they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with a simple side salad, some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, or roasted vegetables.

Why I Love This Recipe (and You Will Too!)

Honestly, this Shrimp Zucchini Noodles recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick, healthy, and satisfying, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Plus, it’s so customizable! You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Explore More Zucchini Recipes

If you love zucchini as much as I do, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zoodles for a quick and flavorful meal, or maybe Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry if you are in the mood for a one-pan recipe. And don’t forget dessert! Lemon Zucchini Bread is the perfect way to use up extra zucchini. You could also try Savory Garlic Butter Chicken With Zucchini & Corn for a summer-inspired dish. Or, how about Creamy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo for a healthy twist on a classic? Finally, don’t miss Delectable Savory Garlic Butter Chicken With Zucchini & Sweet Corn.

Common Questions Answered

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and zucchini noodles separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet before serving.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Of course! If you’re not a fan of zucchini noodles, you can use regular pasta, rice noodles, or even spaghetti squash.

Enjoy!

So there you have it! A simple, delicious, and healthy Shrimp Zucchini Noodles recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Shrimp Zucchini Noodles

Alice Yowell

This Shrimp Zucchini Noodles recipe offers a light, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Tender shrimp are tossed with vibrant zucchini noodles in a garlicky, lemon-infused sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 2

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Spiralizer (or vegetable peeler)
• Large Skillet or Wok
• Colander
• Paper towels
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or tongs

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 medium zucchini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Spiralize the zucchini into noodles. Gently salt the zoodles and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet.
• Add the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
• Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for another minute, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles.
• Toss everything together to combine.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using).
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles. Zucchini noodles cook quickly! Overcooking will result in mushy zoodles. Aim for tender-crisp. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end. This recipe is great for meal prepping! Just store the shrimp and zucchini noodles separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat. To store leftovers, keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.