Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

If you’re craving something light, flavorful, and totally satisfying—but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen—this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is your new best friend. It’s got that irresistible garlicky richness, tender juicy shrimp, and fresh, twirlable zucchini noodles that soak up every bit of that buttery sauce. Plus, it’s low-carb, super quick, and gives you all the comfort of pasta without the heaviness. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fancy-feeling meal for one, this dish brings big flavor with minimal effort. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

• Fast and Flavorful: Ready in under 30 minutes, and packed with garlic, lemon, and buttery goodness.
• Light but Satisfying: Zoodles keep things fresh and low-carb without sacrificing comfort.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor? Yes, please.
• Customizable: Add chili flakes, herbs, or a splash of cream to make it your own.
• Impressive Yet Easy: It looks elegant but couldn’t be easier to pull together.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about the simple, superstar ingredients that make this dish shine:

• Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined—tender and naturally sweet, they cook up in minutes.
• Zucchini: Spiralized into noodles for a light, veggie-packed pasta swap.
• Garlic: Lots of it—sautéed to golden perfection for a rich, aromatic base.
• Butter: Adds a luxurious silkiness to the sauce. Don’t skimp.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and shrimp without burning the butter.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Brings brightness and cuts through the richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all the other flavors.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and color.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds salty, nutty depth to finish it off.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Here’s how to bring this garlicky, buttery dream to life:

1. Prep the Zucchini: Spiralize your zucchini and gently pat dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture. Set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the rest of the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Lemon: Stir in lemon juice and zest. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Toss in Zoodles: Add zucchini noodles and sauté just until slightly tender, about 2–3 minutes. Don’t overcook—they should stay a little crisp.
6. Bring It Together: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss everything to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
7. Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and grated Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 330 kcal
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 230mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 28g
Vitamin C: 40% DV
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Iron: 20% DV
Calcium: 12% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

This dish is delicious as is, but here are some ways to round out your plate:

• With a Side Salad: A crisp arugula or Greek salad balances the richness.
• Topped with Cheese: A little shaved Parmesan or feta adds extra flair.
• With Garlic Bread: For those who aren’t watching carbs, buttery garlic bread is a natural fit.
• Add More Veggies: Sautéed cherry tomatoes or spinach mix in beautifully.
• As a Fancy Date Night Dish: Light a candle, pour a glass of wine, and you’re set.

Additional Tips

• Dry Those Zoodles: Excess moisture can make your sauce watery—blot the noodles well!
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They turn rubbery fast, so pull them off the heat once pink and curled.
• Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
• Use Pre-Spiralized Zoodles: For even faster prep—many grocery stores sell them ready to go.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Absolutely—just thaw them first and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I substitute zucchini noodles with pasta?
A2: Yes! Linguine or angel hair works great if you’re not avoiding carbs.

Q3: How do I keep the zoodles from getting soggy?
A3: Don’t overcook them and blot dry after spiralizing.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
A4: Yep! Just use all olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Q5: How long does it keep in the fridge?
A5: Up to 2 days. Just reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Q6: What kind of shrimp is best?
A6: Medium to large raw shrimp—fresh or thawed frozen—work beautifully.

Q7: Can I add other proteins?
A7: Sure! Chicken or scallops are tasty swaps or additions.

Q8: Is this keto-friendly?
A8: It sure is—low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.

Q9: Can I prep this ahead?
A9: You can spiralize the zucchini and prep the shrimp a day ahead, but cook everything fresh for best texture.

Q10: Can I freeze it?
A10: Not recommended. Zucchini noodles and shrimp don’t freeze well and may turn mushy when thawed.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve mastered the art of weeknight cooking. It’s fast, fancy, and full of flavor, all while being light and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with someone special, this recipe checks every box. Make it once, and you’ll see—it’s a total game-changer.

Print