If you are hunting for a dish that is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, the Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This vibrant meal masterfully swaps heavy pasta for crisp zucchini noodles, making every bite feel like a delightful ocean breeze with juicy shrimp and a luscious, buttery-garlic sauce that’s simply irresistible. You’ll love how this recipe balances the brightness of lemon and white wine with the richness of butter and garlic, creating a dish that’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need
With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and beautifully. Each component plays an essential role in building the perfect harmony of flavors and textures – from the tender shrimp to the refreshing zucchini noodles and the aromatic garlic and shallots.
- 1½ lbs zucchini (spiralized into noodles): The star of the dish that adds a light, crunchy texture and vibrant green color.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Provides richness and that classic scampi silkiness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics gently while adding subtle depth.
- 1 shallot, minced: Adds a mild sweetness and delicate onion flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings bold, savory notes that infuse the entire dish.
- ½ cup white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, perfect for balancing richness.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus zing.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The protein star that cooks quickly and tastes divine.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of herbal freshness and lovely color contrast.
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, savory finish that’s pure indulgence if you choose to include it.
How to Make Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Butter and Olive Oil
Begin by warming the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. This combination creates the luscious base that will carry all the delightful flavors in your scampi. Make sure the butter melts fully and the mixture is shimmering before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Garlic
Add the minced shallot and garlic to the hot skillet. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes until you start to smell that wonderful fragrance. The garlic and shallots become soft and mildly sweet, forming an aromatic foundation you’ll want to savor throughout the cooking process.
Step 3: Pour in the White Wine and Lemon Juice
Next, pour in the white wine and fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. This step builds complexity and adds brightness to the sauce, perfectly balancing the butter’s richness. The aroma at this stage is truly mouthwatering.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add in your peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. This careful timing ensures your shrimp stay tender and juicy — no rubbery bites here!
Step 5: Toss in the Zucchini Noodles
Finally, stir in the spiralized zucchini noodles. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still have a little bite. You want to avoid sogginess to maintain that fresh, crisp texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle on fresh parsley and, if you like, grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its very best — warm, fragrant, and irresistibly delicious.
How to Serve Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley not only brighten the look but also add a fresh herbal note to every bite. A squeeze of lemon juice or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish, making it feel special and lending a slightly creamy texture without overpowering the delicate zucchini noodles.
Side Dishes
This recipe is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a handful of roasted veggies for a light meal. If you want to keep it low-carb, steamed asparagus or a side of garlicky sautéed spinach are excellent options that complement the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve this Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi Recipe in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of vibrant parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. Garnish with edible flowers or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a touch of elegance that feels both rustic and refined.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Because zucchini noodles release moisture, it’s best to keep the sauce and noodles separate if possible to prevent sogginess during storage.
Freezing
Freezing zucchini noodles is not recommended as they tend to become watery upon thawing. However, if you must freeze, only freeze the shrimp and sauce components in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then add fresh zucchini noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat just until warmed through, tossing in fresh zucchini noodles if you stored them separately. Avoid high heat to maintain the shrimp’s tenderness and preserve the vibrant texture of the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of zucchini noodles?
Absolutely! If you prefer traditional noodles, spaghetti or linguine works wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since pasta takes longer to cook than zucchini noodles.
What kind of white wine is best for this recipe?
Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines add acidity and brightness without overpowering the delicate flavors of the shrimp and zucchini.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it naturally is gluten-free since it uses zucchini noodles instead of wheat pasta, making it perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
You can swap shrimp for hearty mushrooms or tofu. Use vegan butter or olive oil and skip the Parmesan for a plant-based version that still delivers incredible flavor.
How do I prevent the zucchini noodles from becoming soggy?
Cook the zucchini noodles just until tender, around 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid overcooking and consider salting and draining excess moisture before adding them to the pan to maintain their crispness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about the Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi Recipe that makes it a perfect weeknight wonder or a quick, impressive dish for guests. It combines freshness, flavor, and ease in a way that will have you reaching for it again and again. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful meal as much as I do!
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Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A light and flavorful Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic, shallots, and a splash of white wine, served over fresh zucchini noodles for a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lbs zucchini (spiralized into noodles)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Cooking Fats
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Flavorings
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white wine
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat fats: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until melted and combined, creating a flavorful base for sautéing.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced shallot and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and translucent but not browned.
- Add liquids: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, then simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Cook shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Incorporate zucchini noodles: Stir in the spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, tossing gently to heat through without making the noodles soggy. The noodles should be tender yet retain a slight bite.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, simmer the wine and lemon juice slightly longer before adding the shrimp.
- Be careful not to overcook zucchini noodles; they soften quickly and can become mushy.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice cheesy finish if dairy is suitable.
- Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor.
- To keep this dish gluten-free, ensure the white wine does not contain any additives with gluten.
