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Easy 15-Minute Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles Perfect for Quick Dinners

shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles - featured image

A quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe using zucchini noodles instead of pasta, ready in under 15 minutes with a bright garlic butter lemon sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine or chicken broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Using your spiralizer or julienne peeler, create zucchini noodles from the zucchinis. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let them drain while you prepare the shrimp (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and bubbly, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside (about 4-5 minutes).
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and just golden, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add lemon zest and juice, then pour in white wine or chicken broth. Let it simmer and reduce slightly, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a separate pan or the same skillet after sauce is done, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 1-2 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Avoid overcooking.
  5. Return the shrimp to the skillet with the sauce, toss gently to coat. Add the zucchini noodles, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and toss everything together. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Salt and drain zucchini noodles before cooking to prevent sogginess. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. If sauce is too thin, simmer longer before adding noodles. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil. White wine can be replaced with chicken or vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, zucchini noodles, quick dinner, low carb, gluten free, keto, garlic butter sauce, easy recipe