Sizzling Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles Recipe – Fresh & Zesty

My recent culinary adventure with zucchini noodle shrimp scampi surprised me completely.

Spiralizing fresh vegetables creates magical low-carb alternatives for traditional pasta dishes.

Delicate seafood pairs wonderfully with these tender green strands, creating a light and refreshing meal.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate each tender morsel of succulent shrimp nestled among delicate zucchini ribbons.

Garlic, lemon, and herbs dance across your palate with incredible complexity.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe offers a guilt-free approach to enjoying classic Italian flavors.

Shrimp Scampi With Zucchini Noodles That Feels Light Yet Luscious

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this delightful shrimp scampi in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Low-Carb Healthy Swap: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles for a lighter, nutritious alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
• Minimal Cleanup Meal: Using the same skillet for both zucchini noodles and shrimp means fewer dishes and less time spent scrubbing pots and pans after cooking.
• Customizable Flavor Boost: Easily elevate the dish by adding optional Parmesan cheese or experimenting with different herbs and spices to suit personal taste preferences.

What You’ll Toss in Shrimp Zucchini Noodle Dish

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood protein that creates the main flavor of the dish, fresh and deveined is best.
• Zucchini Noodles: Low-carb pasta alternative with light and fresh texture, spiralized or store-bought works well.

• Garlic Stir-In Paste: Provides intense garlic flavor without chopping, convenient and consistent.
• Zesty Lemon Paste: Adds bright citrus notes to complement the shrimp, pre-mixed for easy seasoning.
• Lightly Dried Parsley: Herb that brings fresh green color and mild herbal taste, adds visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and creating smooth cooking base, extra virgin preferred.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall dish flavor, kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds salty, nutty finish to the dish, freshly grated preferred.

Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles – Cooking Guide

Step 1: Transform Zucchini into Noodles

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss zucchini noodles into the pan and quickly stir them around for 1-2 minutes until they’re warmed through.

Gently transfer the noodles to a serving platter using tongs and cover with foil to keep them cozy and warm.

Quickly wipe the skillet clean to prepare for the next delicious stage.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

Pour remaining olive oil into the same skillet over medium-high heat.

• Garlic paste
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir and cook the ingredients for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp transform into a beautiful pink color.

Step 3: Add Bright Flavor Boosters

Splash in the lemon paste and sprinkle the dried parsley.

Give everything a quick stir to combine the vibrant flavors.

Step 4: Create the Final Masterpiece

Lovingly place the sizzling shrimp over the warm zucchini noodles.

For an extra touch of decadence, shower the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Shrimp Scampi Tips With Zucchini Noodles

• Pat zucchini noodles with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing watery sauce and ensuring better texture.
• Sauté shrimp just until pink to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Add extra minced fresh garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a more robust and spicy kick.
• Select firm, translucent shrimp with a mild ocean scent for the best taste and quality.
• Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option or use gluten-free garlic paste for those with sensitivities.

Keeping Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles Fresh for Later

• Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep zucchini noodles and shrimp in different containers to prevent soggy noodles and maintain optimal texture.
• Gently warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying, or microwave on 50% power for 30-45 seconds.
• Reheat just until warmed through to prevent rubbery shrimp and mushy zucchini noodles.

Zesty Picks For Shrimp Scampi

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemony shrimp and cuts through the olive oil richness.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Serve a toasted slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious scampi sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast.
• Balance with Light Citrus Salad: Create a quick mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to enhance the dish's bright flavors and provide a refreshing side.
• Match with Chilled Herb Appetizer: Prepare bruschetta with fresh basil and tomatoes to echo the parsley notes and provide a cool starter before the main course.

Shrimp Scampi with Zoodle Options

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace zucchini noodles with riced cauliflower for a different low-carb vegetable alternative that adds subtle texture and nutrition.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Use marinated tofu or plant-based shrimp substitutes instead of traditional shrimp, maintaining the light garlic and lemon flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Increase olive oil quantity, use extra butter, and add more Parmesan cheese to boost fat content while keeping carbohydrates minimal.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired variation that adds vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

• How do I make zucchini noodles if I don't have a spiralizer?

Use a vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips of zucchini or use a mandoline slicer with a julienne blade. These alternatives work great when you don’t have a spiralizer.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. Ensure they are fully defrosted to prevent excess water in the pan and achieve proper searing.

• What can I substitute for Garlic Stir-In Paste?

Use minced fresh garlic or garlic powder. If using fresh garlic, sauté it briefly in the oil before adding shrimp to release its flavor and prevent burning.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the ingredients in your Garlic Stir-In Paste and Zesty Lemon Paste to confirm they are gluten-free.

Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean-style Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles brings fresh coastal flavors to your dinner table. Light, elegant pasta alternative delights with garlic-infused shrimp nestled on spiralized zucchini strands perfect for health-conscious diners you’ll adore.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetable Base:

• 1 lb zucchini noodles

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 teaspoons Gourmet GardenTM Garlic Stir-In Paste
• 3 tablespoons Gourmet GardenTM Zesty Lemon Ready to Use Paste
• 1 tablespoon Gourmet GardenTM Lightly Dried Chopped Parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Spiralize zucchini into delicate noodle strands, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
2. Warm a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface.
3. Quickly sauté zucchini noodles for approximately 90 seconds, gently tossing to prevent overcooking and maintain crisp texture.
4. Transfer heated zucchini noodles to a waiting platter, loosely tenting with aluminum foil to preserve warmth.
5. Cleanse the skillet with a swift wipe to prepare for shrimp preparation.
6. Introduce remaining olive oil to the skillet, allowing it to shimmer and heat evenly.
7. Add succulent shrimp, minced garlic paste, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper to the pan.
8. Sauté shrimp for 3-4 minutes, stirring consistently until they transform into a vibrant pink hue and curl slightly.
9. Drizzle zesty lemon paste over the shrimp, creating a bright, tangy coating.
10. Sprinkle lightly dried parsley across the shrimp, infusing the dish with herbaceous notes.
11. Elegantly cascade the garlic-infused shrimp atop the waiting zucchini noodles.
12. Optional: Dust the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an additional layer of rich, savory flavor.

Notes

• Spiralize zucchini noodles just before cooking to prevent excess moisture and maintain a crisp texture.
• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Quickly cook zucchini noodles to avoid becoming soggy, keeping them al dente for the best mouthfeel and nutritional value.
• Customize this low-carb dish by adding red pepper flakes for heat or swapping Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg