Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter served atop tender zucchini noodles. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this recipe offers a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes with fresh herbs and optional Parmesan for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee for Whole30)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Zucchini Noodles
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini noodles: Use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles from the zucchini. Place them on a paper towel and lightly sprinkle with salt to draw out excess moisture. Let them sit while you prepare the shrimp to ensure they don’t become soggy when cooked.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the zucchini noodles: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet, then add the zucchini noodles. Toss and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the noodles become tender but not soggy. This short cooking time keeps the noodles fresh and crisp.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Add the fresh lemon juice and toss everything together to blend the flavors. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of richness if desired.
Notes
- For a Whole30-compliant version, substitute unsalted butter with ghee and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Use fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice to enhance flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the zucchini noodles to maintain their texture.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat or omit for a mild flavor.
- This dish is naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
