Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles is a light, low-carb, and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, then tossed with zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) for a refreshing, veggie-packed meal. I love this recipe because it’s quick, full of flavor, and satisfies cravings without the heaviness of traditional pasta. The combination of garlicky shrimp, zoodles, and a touch of lemon makes it both vibrant and comforting.

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
2. Healthy & Low-Carb: Zoodles replace traditional pasta for a lighter meal.
3. Rich Flavor: Garlic butter perfectly complements the shrimp without overpowering the zoodles.
4. Elegant Yet Simple: A dish that looks restaurant-quality but is simple to make at home.

Why You Must Try This Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines the indulgent flavors of garlic butter shrimp with the health-conscious benefit of zoodles. It’s light, refreshing, and satisfying, making it perfect for anyone seeking a balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s also versatile enough for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~250–280 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American / Low-Carb / Healthy
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Zoodles

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Spiralize zucchini to make zoodles.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté zoodles 1–2 minutes until slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and stir in parsley.
6. Toss shrimp with zoodles and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Zoodles

• Use a spiralizer to create noodles from zucchini.
• Lightly salt and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Zoodles

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add zoodles and sauté for 1–2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
• Remove zoodles from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
• Add shrimp and season with salt and black pepper.
• Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Parsley

• Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp.
• Stir in fresh parsley for flavor and color.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Zoodles

• Return zoodles to the skillet and toss with garlic butter shrimp until well coated.
• Heat for 1 minute to combine flavors.

Step 6: Serve

• Plate the shrimp and zoodles immediately.
• Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a low-carb main course.
• Pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for extra flavor.
• Optional: drizzle with additional lemon juice for brightness.

Additional Recipe Tips

1. Do Not Overcook Zoodles: They cook quickly and can become watery.
2. Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture.
3. Adjust Heat: Red pepper flakes are optional for a spicy kick.
4. Butter & Olive Oil: The combination adds richness and helps prevent zoodles from becoming soggy.

Variations

• Creamy Version: Add 2–3 tbsp cream or cream cheese to the garlic butter sauce.
• Pasta Swap: Serve over angel hair pasta instead of zoodles for a traditional twist.
• Vegetable Mix: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
• Garlic Lemon Sauce: Add extra lemon zest and juice for a tangier flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Cooked Shrimp: Not recommended for freezing with zoodles, as zucchini becomes watery. Freeze shrimp separately for up to 2 months.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Spiralizer for zucchini
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, omit shrimp and sauté additional vegetables like mushrooms or tofu.

Q3: Can I prepare zoodles ahead of time?
A: It’s best to prepare zoodles just before cooking to prevent them from becoming watery.

Q4: Can I use other squash instead of zucchini?
A: Yes, yellow squash works well as a substitute.

Q5: How do I keep the dish low-carb?
A: Serve only with zoodles or other spiralized vegetables, avoiding pasta or bread.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings elegance to a weeknight dinner. The combination of garlicky, buttery shrimp with fresh, crisp zoodles makes for a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for anyone seeking a low-carb, protein-packed, and delicious dinner option, this recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to impress.