Transform your weeknight meals with this Easy Shrimp Scampi Zoodles recipe! Fresh shrimp bathed in a buttery garlic sauce served over spiralized zucchini noodles makes for a healthy, low-carb twist on a classic dish. It’s a quick, flavorful option that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—minus the guilt!
Budget Information
The total cost for this Easy Shrimp Scampi Zoodles recipe is approximately $15. The cost per serving (4 servings total) comes to about $3.75. Here’s a breakdown:
- Shrimp (1 lb): $10.00
- Zucchini (2-3 medium): $2.00
- Butter (6 tbsp): $1.00
- Garlic (4 cloves): $0.50
- Lemon (1): $0.50
- Red pepper flakes: $0.25
- Vegetable broth (½ cup): $0.25
- Dry white wine (¼ cup): $1.00 (for cooking, not a full bottle)
Why This Recipe Works
Why settle for ordinary when you can elevate a classic? This Easy Shrimp Scampi Zoodles recipe brings a fresh zing to dinner, swapping out high-carb pasta for vibrant zucchini noodles that soak up that dreamy garlic butter sauce. Not only do you get the satisfying flavor of shrimp scampi, but you also get a dish that’s light, healthy, and ready in just 20 minutes! It’s a perfect fit for busy weeknights when you want something quick, delicious, and impressive!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined ($10.00) – opt for wild-caught for better flavor.
- 2-3 medium zucchinis, spiralized ($2.00) – can substitute with yellow squash for a colorful twist.
- 6 tablespoons butter ($1.00) – try olive oil for a lighter vegan option.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50) – fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested ($0.50) – lime juice can also brighten the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes ($0.25) – adjust based on your spice preference.
- ½ cup vegetable broth ($0.25) – chicken broth is a tasty alternative.
- ¼ cup dry white wine ($1.00) – feel free to skip if you prefer to go alcohol-free!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Ready to bring this plate to life? Let’s get started!
Step 1: First things first, let’s spiralize those zucchinis! Grab 2-3 medium zucchinis and using a spiralizer, turn them into noodles. You’re looking for about 2 cups of zoodles. Once spiralized, let them rest in a colander for about 10 minutes to drain excess moisture. This step is crucial to avoid a soggy dish later on!
Step 2: Now, let’s cook the shrimp to perfection. In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, allowing it to foam and create a delicious aroma. Add in the 4 minced garlic cloves and sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes; sauté these fragrant ingredients for about a minute until the garlic is golden and delightful. This is smell-o-vision territory, folks!
Step 3: Toss in 1 ½ pounds of the shrimp! Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a dash of paprika, cooking them for 2-4 minutes until they turn a beautiful pink color and are cooked through. The shrimp will release their juices, adding to the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 4: Once the shrimp are cooked, carefully remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add ½ cup of vegetable broth and ¼ cup of dry white wine, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck on the bottom of the skillet. Let this bubbly mixture reduce for about 2-3 minutes for concentrated flavors.
Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the reduced sauce, then add in your freshly made zoodles. Toss everything together, allowing the zoodles to warm through for about 2-3 minutes. Finish your dish with a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with parsley for that perfect pop of color!
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for one serving of the Easy Shrimp Scampi Zoodles (4 servings total):
- Calories: 231
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Total Fats: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers, don’t worry—you can store them! Transfer your shrimp scampi zoodles to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep it nice and moist, stirring constantly until heated through. Just like that, it’s as good as new!
Serving Suggestions
I love to pair my Shrimp Scampi Zoodles with a light side salad filled with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette. If you’re in the mood for something more comforting, crispy garlic bread is always a winner. The combo of the fresh zoodles and zesty shrimp sauce with a crunchy side is just divine!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the zoodles! Sautéing them for just 2-4 minutes keeps their delightful crunch. If you have some picky eaters in your crew, you can mix zoodles with traditional pasta to soften the new flavor and texture. Lastly, use a light hand on the seasoning at first, as shrimp can be delicate—taste as you go and adjust the flavors to your preference!
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time, but it’s best to add the zoodles just before serving to maintain their texture.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
3. What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
No worries! You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini or buy pre-spiralized zoodles at your local grocery store.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you avoid any gluten-containing sauces or ingredients, this dish is a great gluten-free option!
