Garlic Butter Shrimp Zoodles is a light, flavorful, and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes. This recipe combines succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh zucchini noodles, creating a healthy yet indulgent meal.

The zoodles soak up the garlicky, buttery goodness while maintaining a crisp texture, making it satisfying without the heaviness of pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch, this dish is nutrient-packed, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free. Bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, it’s a delicious way to enjoy shrimp and vegetables in one wholesome, elegant plate.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and health. The shrimp are tender and flavorful, while the garlic butter sauce is rich and aromatic.

Zucchini noodles provide a fresh, slightly crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the shrimp, making each bite satisfying without being heavy. It’s quick to prepare, low in carbs, and packed with protein and vegetables. This dish is both comforting and elegant, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it offers a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta dishes without compromising on flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates a restaurant-quality taste at home. It’s fast, easy, and versatile, ideal for anyone looking for a healthy, high-protein meal.

The zoodles absorb the sauce perfectly while retaining a fresh texture, and the dish can be adapted with additional vegetables or seasonings. It’s both satisfying and light, making it perfect for health-conscious eaters who don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2–3 servings
Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Low-Carb / Gluten-Free / Healthy

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still al dente.
4. Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss with zoodles, and drizzle with lemon juice. Mix well to coat everything in garlic butter.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Peel and devein shrimp, and spiralize zucchinis into noodles. Mince garlic and chop fresh herbs.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt butter, add minced garlic, and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp
Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet.

Step 4: Cook Zoodles
Add zucchini noodles to the same skillet and sauté 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still firm.

Step 5: Combine and Season
Return shrimp to the skillet, drizzle with lemon juice, and toss with zoodles to coat in garlic butter.

Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and optional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot immediately.

How to Serve

Serve this dish as a low-carb main course for lunch or dinner. Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, nutrient-packed meal. For an elegant presentation, garnish with extra herbs, lemon wedges, or a light sprinkle of cheese.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook zucchini noodles; they should remain slightly crisp.
• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed completely.
• Adjust garlic and red pepper flakes to your preferred taste.
• Toss zoodles gently to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the skillet for extra depth of flavor.

Variations

• Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy garlic shrimp zoodle dish.
• Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrients.
• Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha for heat.
• Pesto Zoodles: Toss zoodles with shrimp in a tablespoon of basil pesto instead of butter.
• Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds for an Asian-flavored variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Best eaten fresh as zoodles can release water.
• Freezing: Not recommended as zucchini noodles release water and become mushy upon thawing.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking shrimp and zoodles.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spiralizer for zucchini noodles
• Tongs or spatula for tossing
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess water.

Q2: Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes, spiralized carrots, squash, or sweet potatoes can be used for variation.

Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter and skip Parmesan cheese.

Q4: How do I prevent zoodles from becoming soggy?
Sauté zoodles for just 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Avoid overcooking.

Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store shrimp and zoodles separately and combine when reheating.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Zoodles is a quick, flavorful, and healthy low-carb meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste at home. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic butter, and crisp zucchini noodles creates a dish that is both satisfying and light. Perfect for busy weeknights, lunch, or an elegant dinner, this recipe is versatile, customizable, and packed with nutrients. Its simplicity, speed, and rich flavor make it a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, and low-carb alternative to pasta dishes.