Hey there, food lovers! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi. This dish is like a burst of sunshine on your plate! Imagine perfectly cooked shrimp nestled in a bed of tender, spiralized zucchini, all tossed in a light and zesty garlic sauce. It’s so fresh and flavorful, you won’t even miss the pasta! I love how quick and simple it is to whip up—perfect for those busy nights when you still want to treat yourself to something delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to for your dinner rotation!

Ingredients for Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi

1 pound shrimp – Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking and eating!
4 medium zucchinis – Spiralized into noodles, these add a great crunch and are a fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta.
4 cloves garlic – Minced to bring out that irresistible aroma and flavor. More garlic equals more yum!
1/4 cup olive oil – For sautéing, giving the dish a rich, silky base.
1/4 cup chicken broth – This adds depth and moisture to our sauce.
1 lemon – Juiced for that zesty brightness that ties everything together.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Just a pinch for a kick of heat; feel free to adjust to your liking!
Salt and pepper – Season to taste for that perfect flavor balance.
Fresh parsley – Chopped, for a pop of color and freshness on top!

How to Prepare Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking—this is where the magic begins!
Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells heavenly. Just don’t let it burn!
Now, toss in the shrimp and cook them until they’re pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them; overcooked shrimp can be tough!
Next, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice along with the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, letting it bubble for a minute. This is where the flavors start to meld beautifully.
Time to add those gorgeous zucchini noodles! Stir them in and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re just tender. Remember, you want them to maintain a slight crunch!
Finish off by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle stir and remove from heat.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Wow, look at that colorful dish ready to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation: You can have this delicious dish on the table in just 25 minutes!
Light and healthy: Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s a guilt-free meal you can feel good about.
Low carb: Zucchini noodles are a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta, keeping it light and satisfying.
Full of flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and shrimp creates an irresistible taste that will keep you coming back for more!

Tips for Success with Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi

To make sure your Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t skimp on the garlic—it really elevates the flavor, but you can always adjust to your taste if you prefer it milder. Also, keep an eye on the shrimp; they cook quickly and can turn rubbery if overcooked. When it comes to the zucchini noodles, aim for just a slight crunch—overcooking them can lead to a soggy dish. Lastly, feel free to experiment with the red pepper flakes; just a little can go a long way in adding that perfect kick!

Variations on Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi

If you’re looking to mix things up with your Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi, the possibilities are endless! For a different protein, try swapping shrimp for scallops or even chicken breast; both work wonderfully with that garlicky sauce. You can also toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for an extra burst of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some spinach or kale toward the end for a nutritious boost. And don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for a unique twist. Get creative and make it your own!

Nutritional Information for Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi

This Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients! Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, 18g of fat, 30g of protein, and just 10g of carbohydrates. With only 3g of sugar and 2g of fiber, it’s a healthy choice for any meal. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy guilt-free dining!

FAQ about Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi

Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. It’s a great time-saver!

What if I don’t have a spiralizer? No worries! You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini, or just cut them into thin slices. It’ll still taste amazing!

How can I make this dish spicier? If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust to your taste!

Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance. Just keep the zucchini noodles separate until you’re ready to cook.

What can I serve with this dish? I love pairing it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious garlic sauce. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi

To complement your Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi, I highly recommend serving it with a side of crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up that delicious garlic sauce! A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette would also pair beautifully, adding a crisp contrast to the dish. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra lemon zest over the top before serving for that extra zing!

Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Scampi: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A light and flavorful dish featuring shrimp and zucchini noodles in a garlic sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
Stir in zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use spiralizer for zucchini noodles.
Adjust garlic and red pepper to taste.
Serve with crusty bread if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: Shrimp, Zucchini Noodle, Scampi, Healthy, Low Carb

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