Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a homemade low-carb dinner. The tender shrimp cooked in buttery garlic sauce pairs beautifully with fresh zucchini noodles, creating a meal that’s light but satisfying. This recipe is beginner-friendly and uses pantry staples you probably have on hand. For a comforting side, try pairing it with my Easy Zucchini & Halloumi Bake for extra bold flavors.
Why You'll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles: Easy Homemade Low-Carb Dinner
Enjoy Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles, a quick and easy homemade low-carb dinner that’s perfect for weeknights. Ready in 40 minutes!
- Ready in under 40 minutes – perfect for quick weeknight dinners
- Low-carb and gluten-free, great for healthy eating
- Uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients
- Beginner-friendly with easy-to-follow steps and tips
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles: Easy Homemade Low-Carb Dinner
Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen large shrimp, thawed. Can substitute with scallops or chicken strips.Zucchini noodles: Fresh zucchini noodles work best. If unavailable, use thinly sliced zucchini ribbons or spaghetti squash.
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen large shrimp, thawed. Can substitute with scallops or chicken strips.
- Zucchini noodles: Fresh zucchini noodles work best. If unavailable, use thinly sliced zucchini ribbons or spaghetti squash.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles: Easy Homemade Low-Carb Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles: Easy Homemade Low-Carb Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the zucchini noodles: Spiralize zucchinis and set aside. If preferred, sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles: Easy Homemade Low-Carb Dinner
- Salt zucchini noodles and rest for 5 minutes before cooking for reduced moisture.
- Cook shrimp quickly on high heat to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish before serving.
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles: Easy Homemade Low-Carb Dinner
Enjoy Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles, a quick and easy homemade low-carb dinner that’s perfect for weeknights. Ready in 40 minutes!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Optional Toppings
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped fresh basil or oregano
Instructions
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles
- Prepare the zucchini noodles: Spiralize zucchinis and set aside. If preferred, sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss noodles and shrimp: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing quickly in the garlic butter for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Return shrimp to skillet and add lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Toss to combine and heat through.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles: Easy Homemade Low-Carb Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and zucchini noodles separately ahead of time, but it’s best to combine and finish cooking right before serving to maintain texture.
You can replace zucchini noodles with spiralized carrots, spaghetti squash, or even traditional pasta if you prefer.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing to preserve texture.
Zucchini contains a lot of water; to avoid sogginess, salt and drain the noodles before cooking and cook them quickly over medium heat.
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