Shrimp Zucchini Noodles
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.
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.