Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
A quick, easy, and healthy dinner featuring tender garlic butter shrimp paired with crisp zucchini noodles. Ready in about 20 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles (about 4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles and lightly salt them. Let sit in a colander for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid burning the garlic.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink on the edges. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until shrimp are tender and juicy.
- Drain any excess liquid from zucchini noodles and add them to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with garlic butter sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Remove skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp and noodles, then sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss lightly to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm and noodles maintain their texture.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to avoid steaming and rubbery texture. Pat shrimp dry before cooking for a better sear. Cook zucchini noodles briefly to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess. Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for best flavor. If zucchini noodles release too much water, drain or increase heat to evaporate excess moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup of shrim
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 23
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, zucchini noodles, quick dinner, healthy dinner, low carb, gluten free, easy recipe, weeknight meal