If you are craving a dish that is light, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive, the Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful meal combines succulent shrimp cooked to perfection with tender, fresh zucchini noodles, all tossed in a rich and fragrant garlic butter sauce. It’s a perfect balance of savory and fresh, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color, making the dish both wholesome and visually appealing.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: These juicy shrimp provide the star protein with a tender bite and mild sweetness.
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles: Fresh zucchini noodles add a refreshing crunch and keep the dish light and healthy.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee for Whole30): Butter lends richness and helps marry all the flavors together harmoniously.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor that elevates the entire recipe.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil ensures a smooth cooking process and boosts the savory notes.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Lemon juice adds a lovely brightness and subtle zing that cuts through the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): These add a gentle heat that enlivens the dish without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish): Fresh herbs inject color and a burst of herbal freshness at the finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free): A sprinkle of Parmesan rounds out the dish with a savory, cheesy touch.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini Noodles
Begin by spiralizing your zucchini into noodles—this is where the magic starts with a fresh, crisp base. Place the strands on a paper towel, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them sit to draw out excess moisture. This step keeps the noodles from becoming soggy in the skillet later, preserving that perfect al dente bite.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking just about 30 seconds until fragrant—this releases those delicious aromas you’ll crave. Add the shrimp in one layer for even cooking. Sear them 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside, keeping all those juices and flavors in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Zucchini Noodles
To the same skillet, add the remaining butter along with your zucchini noodles. Sauté gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, just until they soften slightly but retain a pleasant firmness. This light sauté ensures the noodles soak up the buttery, garlicky goodness without turning limp or watery.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet and drizzle over the fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together carefully, allowing all the flavors to mingle beautifully. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to perfect the balance. This final combination step is what truly unites the dish into a harmonious, mouthwatering meal.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe hot, garnished generously with chopped fresh parsley or basil for that pop of herbal freshness. For those who love an extra savory kick, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is the cherry on top that takes the dish to the next level of indulgence.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil bring brightness and beautiful color, making the dish look as good as it tastes. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese adds an irresistible savory note and creamy texture contrast to the tender shrimp and crisp noodles.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a standalone meal but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread can elevate your dinner to something truly special. A simple mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the rich garlic butter flavor perfectly, balancing the richness with refreshing crispness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the noodles twirled neatly on each plate with shrimp perched elegantly on top. You can also serve in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic vibe. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites everyone to add a finishing splash of citrus, enhancing the lively flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy a quick and delicious meal the next day without any fuss.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh as zucchini noodles do not freeze well—they tend to become watery and lose texture. However, you can freeze cooked shrimp separately if needed and prepare fresh zucchini noodles when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to retain the shrimp’s texture and prevent the zucchini noodles from getting mushy. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can make the noodles soggy and the shrimp tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely, but make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the sauce’s consistency.
What if I don’t have a spiralizer for the zucchini noodles?
You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons or even cut the zucchini into matchstick-like strips to mimic noodles. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious!
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! With low-carb zucchini noodles and protein-packed shrimp, this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe fits perfectly into a keto diet.
Can I omit the butter and use just olive oil?
Yes, but butter adds a richness and silky texture that olive oil alone can’t quite match. Consider using ghee if you’re looking for a dairy-free buttery alternative.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply swap out the butter for ghee or an olive oil blend and skip the Parmesan cheese garnish. The garlic and lemon ensure plenty of flavor without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites to prepare when I want something quick, nourishing, and utterly delicious. It’s elegant enough to impress but easy enough for any weeknight. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients can transform into something truly special.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful low-carb meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce are combined with light and fresh zucchini noodles, making a healthy and satisfying dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee for Whole30)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Zucchini Noodles
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini noodles: Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles. Place them on a paper towel and lightly salt to draw out excess moisture. Let them sit while you prepare the shrimp to ensure they don’t become soggy during cooking.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the zucchini noodles: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet, then add the zucchini noodles. Toss frequently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the noodles are tender but still firm, avoiding sogginess.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles, then add the lemon juice. Toss everything together to combine flavors evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or basil, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra savory note.
Notes
- Spiralize the zucchini fresh to prevent them from becoming too watery.
- Do not overcook the zucchini noodles to maintain a pleasant texture.
- Omit Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free or Whole30-compliant meal.
- For extra heat, increase crushed red pepper flakes as desired.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of zucchini noodles and shrimp.
