If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a treat but is light and packed with flavor, Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is exactly what you need! The succulent shrimp paired with tender zucchini noodles in a rich, buttery garlic sauce is the perfect balance of indulgent and healthy. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a fancy yet easy meal to impress your friends.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: *For the Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles:*; – 3-4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles; – 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; – 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional); – 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); – Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional); – Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional); *For the Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce:*; – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – Juice of 1/2 lemon; – 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or white wine); – Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); – Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

This dish is a total game-changer, and here’s why you’re going to love it:

Versatile: Whether you’re craving a light meal, need a quick dinner, or want something impressive for guests, this recipe hits all the marks.

Budget-Friendly: Shrimp is a great way to treat yourself without going overboard, and the zucchini noodles are a fantastic, low-cost way to get a pasta-like experience without all the carbs.

Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can have this flavorful meal ready to go. It’s one of those recipes where the flavor feels fancy but the effort is minimal!

Customizable: Want to switch things up? You can swap out the shrimp for chicken or add in some extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach for a boost.

Crowd-Pleasing: With a mix of savory garlic butter sauce, shrimp, and zucchini noodles, this dish will have everyone coming back for more. It’s light but satisfying, making it a hit with all kinds of eaters!

Ingredients in Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

This dish is packed with simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp: The star of the show! These juicy shrimp soak up the buttery garlic sauce perfectly and add protein to this light dish.

Zucchini: Zucchini noodles (also called “zoodles”) are the perfect low-carb alternative to pasta, bringing a fresh, slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

Garlic: Garlic is the flavor base of this recipe. It adds that irresistible savory note that makes everything so delicious.

Butter: The rich, creamy butter sauce that makes the shrimp and zucchini noodles taste like something out of a restaurant.

Olive Oil: Helps cook the shrimp and zucchini noodles to perfection, giving them a smooth texture and subtle flavor.

Parmesan: Adds a touch of saltiness and richness to the dish. You can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of this on top!

Lemon: For that perfect burst of freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the entire dish and balances the richness of the butter.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the shrimp and zucchini noodles.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch of these adds a little kick to the dish for those who love a bit of spice.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how you’ll make this mouthwatering dish:

Prep the Zucchini Noodles: If you don’t have pre-made zucchini noodles, spiralize two zucchini into noodles. Set them aside. If you prefer, you can also use a julienne peeler.

Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter. Let it melt, and then toss in the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Add the Zucchini Noodles: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the zucchini noodles are tender but still a little crisp. They should soak up all that garlicky goodness!

Combine the Shrimp and Zoodles: Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything together so the shrimp and zucchini noodles are coated in the garlic butter sauce.

Finish with Lemon and Parmesan: Squeeze the lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the garlic butter shrimp and zucchini noodles immediately. You can garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: ~400 calories

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

This dish pairs beautifully with:

– A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the garlic butter.
– A side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for extra crunch and flavor.
– A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the buttery shrimp and lemony zing.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles turns out perfect:

– Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles – they should still have a little bite. Overcooked zucchini can turn mushy.
– If you prefer a creamier dish, add a splash of cream or milk to the garlic butter sauce for a richer texture.
– You can also try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can also cook them from frozen, but it may take a minute or two longer.

2. Can I make this dish without zucchini noodles?
Sure! You can swap the zucchini noodles for regular pasta, rice, or even spaghetti squash for a different twist.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you skip any gluten-containing sides or pasta.

4. How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even bell peppers while cooking the zucchini noodles. They’ll all pair wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce!

5. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! If you prefer pasta over zucchini noodles, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or any other type of pasta you enjoy.

6. What can I serve this with?
A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread would make excellent additions to this dish.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
For best results, it’s best served fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

8. How do I prevent the zucchini noodles from getting soggy?
Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles! They only need a few minutes in the pan to cook through. Also, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove excess moisture.

9. Can I add other proteins?
Yes! You can swap the shrimp for chicken, scallops, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

10. Can I make this recipe in advance?
This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prep the zucchini noodles and shrimp ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is actually light and healthy. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy dinner or serving it to guests. The buttery garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and fresh zucchini noodles come together in the most satisfying way. Give this recipe a try, and trust me, it’ll be on your regular rotation in no time!