If you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together in a flash, the Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This vibrant dish marries succulent shrimp cooked in luscious garlic butter with tender, lightly sautéed zucchini noodles, offering a low-carb, gluten-free meal that feels indulgent yet is packed with wholesome goodness. The bright hit of lemon juice and the gentle kick from red pepper flakes make each bite exciting, while the fresh herbs and optional Parmesan add layers of aroma and richness. If you want a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious, keep reading and get ready to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its vibrant flavor and delightful texture. The butter adds silky richness, the shrimp brings that tender, juicy protein punch, and the zucchini noodles offer a light, fresh base that soaks up all that garlicky goodness. Here’s what to gather before you start cooking:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best juicy, tender texture.
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles: These act as a healthy, colorful pasta alternative packed with crunch and freshness.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives the dish a luscious mouthfeel; ghee works perfectly if following Whole30.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with its signature aromatic depth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in cooking the shrimp evenly without sticking.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Adds bright acidity that balances the richness wonderfully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a subtle heat that wakes up the flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything into perfect harmony.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish): These fresh herbs elevate aroma and finish the dish beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free): Adds a nutty, savory edge if you like a cheesy touch.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini Noodles
Start by spiralizing your zucchini into long, beautiful noodles that resemble pasta strands. Once spiralized, place them on a paper towel and lightly sprinkle with salt. This step is a clever trick to draw out excess moisture and prevent the noodles from getting soggy later. Let them sit for a few minutes while you move on to the shrimp.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter until melted and shimmering. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, stirring them around quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Then, lay the shrimp in a single layer to ensure they sear perfectly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn an opaque pink and curl up beautifully. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside—this is where the magic starts to come together.
Step 3: Sauté the Zucchini Noodles
In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter, letting it melt and mingle with the garlic-infused oil. Toss in the zucchini noodles and sauté them gently for 2 to 3 minutes. The goal here is to soften them just enough so they’re tender but still hold a little bite, giving you that satisfying noodle-like texture without sogginess. This step ensures the noodles soak up the buttery, garlicky flavor you built with the shrimp.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp back to the skillet right on top of the zucchini noodles. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and toss everything together carefully to combine all those flavors in harmonious balance. At this stage, taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This quick toss finishes off the dish, ensuring every strand and bite has a zesty, buttery coating.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Serve your garlic butter shrimp with zucchini noodles piping hot, generously sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of herbal brightness. If you’re a fan of cheese, adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan brings a lovely savory dimension that melts perfectly into the warmth of the dish. A beautiful plateful like this is sure to impress and satisfy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are your best friends here – they lift the dish with their vibrant color and fragrant notes. A squeeze of extra lemon juice just before serving can brighten the whole plate, and a dusting of Parmesan offers a creamy finishing touch if dairy is on your menu. For a little added crunch, toasted pine nuts or almonds work beautifully too.
Side Dishes
Since this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe is relatively light, pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables complements it nicely. A loaf of crusty bread or warm garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the luscious garlic butter sauce. For those wanting a bit more substance, a quinoa or wild rice pilaf would also make an excellent side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp and zucchini noodles in individual bowls topped with avocado slices for creaminess, or arrange the noodles in a spiral mound and place shrimp artfully on top. You could also stuff the shrimp and noodle mixture into hollowed bell peppers or tomatoes for an impressive presentation that looks gourmet but hides simple cooking. Sometimes, just a sprinkle of edible flowers or microgreens changes everything on the plate visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The zucchini noodles will soften over time, but the flavors actually deepen, so it still makes for a tasty next-day meal. Just keep the garnish separate when storing to preserve freshness.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because zucchini noodles tend to release water and become mushy upon thawing. For longer storage, freeze only the cooked shrimp in a sealed container for up to one month and prepare fresh zucchini noodles when ready to serve again.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to warm through without overcooking the shrimp or making the zucchini mushy. A quick toss in a hot pan will revive the flavors and texture better than microwaving. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of herbs after reheating to freshen the dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that could make the dish watery.
What can I substitute for zucchini noodles?
If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use pre-packaged zucchini noodles from the store or swap with other vegetable noodles like carrot, cucumber, or even spaghetti squash for a similar fresh feel.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
It can be made dairy-free by substituting butter with ghee or a high-quality olive oil, and skipping the Parmesan garnish. The flavor remains amazing!
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth; you can easily omit them or increase the amount depending on your heat preference.
Can I meal prep this dish for the week?
Yes, but keep the noodles separate until the day you plan to eat to avoid sogginess. Store shrimp cooked in garlic butter in one container and zucchini noodles in another for best texture.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe feels like treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal right at home without the fuss. Its bright, garlicky richness paired with the fresh bite of zucchini noodles is a winning combination that’s both healthy and indulgent. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers in flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your own kitchen!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is a quick, healthy, and flavorful low-carb dinner option. Tender shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce are served atop lightly sautéed zucchini noodles, creating a delicious and satisfying meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
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 create noodles from the zucchini. Place the noodles on a paper towel, lightly salt them to draw out excess moisture, and let them sit while you prepare the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the zucchini noodles: To the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the zucchini noodles. Toss and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the noodles are tender but not soggy.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Add the lemon juice and toss everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- To keep this recipe dairy-free, substitute butter with ghee and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Be careful not to overcook zucchini noodles; they should be tender but retain some firmness to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- This dish is naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
