Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
A quick, easy, and healthy dinner recipe featuring garlic butter shrimp served over fresh zucchini noodles. This low-carb, protein-packed dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a flavorful, comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 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
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini noodles: Wash zucchinis thoroughly. Using a spiralizer, create noodles from each zucchini. Place them in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 5 minutes to release excess moisture.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Stir constantly until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
- Add drained zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat with garlic butter. Cook for about 2 minutes until noodles soften slightly but still have some bite. Avoid overcooking.
- Return shrimp to the pan, drizzle lemon juice over everything, and toss gently to combine. Heat through for another minute.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish, and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure a good sear. Salt and drain zucchini noodles to prevent sogginess. Use fresh garlic and stir constantly to avoid burning. For extra richness, add a splash of cream or grated Parmesan at the end. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a skillet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, zucchini noodles, low carb dinner, healthy shrimp recipe, quick shrimp dinner, easy weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free option