Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes.
Low-carb and gluten-free.
Packed with fresh, vibrant flavors.
High in protein and nutritious vegetables.
Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Light yet satisfying.
Easy to customize with additional vegetables and seasonings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Zucchini, spiralized into noodles
Butter
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Chicken broth or vegetable broth
Red pepper flakes
Salt
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add cherry tomatoes for extra color and sweetness.
Include spinach or kale for additional greens.
Use scallops instead of shrimp for a seafood variation.
Add mushrooms for a heartier dish.
Replace zucchini noodles with yellow squash noodles.
Stir in a splash of white wine for a more traditional scampi flavor.
Make it creamy by adding a small amount of heavy cream or cream cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Zucchini noodles release moisture over time, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Keep the shrimp and sauce separate from the zucchini noodles when possible for optimal texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Microwave in short intervals if necessary, stirring between each interval.
Add a splash of broth or lemon juice if the sauce needs refreshing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

How do I prevent zucchini noodles from becoming soggy?

Cook them briefly and avoid overcooking. They should remain slightly crisp.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace the butter with additional olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese.

What size shrimp works best?

Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and provide a satisfying texture.

Can I use pre-spiralized zucchini noodles?

Absolutely. Store-bought zucchini noodles are a convenient time-saving option.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, zucchini noodles make this dish naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for many keto meal plans.

Can I add pasta instead of zucchini noodles?

Yes, traditional spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair pasta can be substituted.

What can I serve with Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles?

A green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make excellent accompaniments.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

The components can be prepped ahead, but the dish is best cooked and served fresh.

Why is my zucchini releasing so much water?

Zucchini naturally contains a lot of moisture. Cooking it briefly and serving immediately helps minimize excess liquid.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles is a fresh and healthy take on a classic seafood favorite. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, lemon, and tender zucchini noodles creates a meal that is both light and incredibly flavorful. Quick enough for weeknights and elegant enough for entertaining, this dish is a wonderful addition to any recipe collection.

Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

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Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles is a light and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce and tossed with fresh zucchini noodles. This quick, low-carb meal delivers classic scampi flavors in a healthy and satisfying way.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Add the zucchini noodles and toss gently for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not overcook the zucchini noodles to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Frozen shrimp can be used if fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
For a dairy-free version, replace butter with additional olive oil and omit Parmesan cheese.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 260 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 195 mg