Shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles is a low-carb, keto, and gluten-free version of a classic pasta dish. It is garlicky, flavorful, and delicious. We replace traditional pasta with zoodles (aka. zucchini noodles) in this classic Italian-American dish for a meal that is healthier and lighter, yet quite filling. The best part? It's quick and easy, taking just 25-minutes to prep and cook. Perfect for busy summer weeknights.
Why You'll Love Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
- Quick and easy. This entire meal takes just 25 minutes to prep and cook. It's a super simple recipe with a few steps. First, cook the zoodles, then make the sauce and add shrimp, and lastly toss everything together. Serve it as is or with an extra crusty piece of bread to sop up the delicious sauce.
- Packed with flavor. This recipe is not for people who are afraid of garlic. The insanely fragrant sauce is made up of oil, butter, red pepper flakes, and a ton of minced garlic. It compliments the shrimp beautifully, and honestly you will be surprised by how delicious this is with zucchini noodles!
- Healthy and nutritious. The zucchini noodles cook up quickly in a large non-stick skillet, but then completely mirror the texture of al dente pasta. You're left with lots of vegetables, no carbs, and a perfect vessel for eating up that flavour-packed sauce. This is one recipe you will be making over and over again during the summer months!
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this delicious low carb shrimp scampi with zoodles, you will need the following ingredients:
- zucchini
- shrimp
- extra virgin olive oil
- butter
- garlic
- broth - you can use seafood, chicken or vegetable broth -- whatever you have on hand.
- salt and pepper
- red pepper flakes
- lemon
- fresh parsley - optional, for garnish.
You will also need a measuring cups and spoons, a spiralizer, and a large non-stick skillet or shallow saucepan
How to Make the Best Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
- Cook the zucchini noodles. Cut the ends off of each zucchini and cut into noodles using a spiralizer. In a large non-stick skillet (this is important!), heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté, tossing gently, until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce. In the same skillet, heat remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and butter until butter is melted. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broth, then season with salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let sauce reduce until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add shrimp. Return heat to medium-high, then add shrimp and cook until pink, about 1-2 minutes per side. Squeeze half a lemon over the shrimp, then toss with zoodles.
- Serve. Serve scampi with fresh parsley and additional lemon wedges.
Storing Instructions
- Make ahead instructions: You can prep your ihe best way to prep things ahead for zucchini shrimp scampi is to spiralize the noodles, but wait to cook them until right before serving. The noodles can get soggy or watery as they sit, so best to cook them and eat immediately.
- How to store: Shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles are best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat over the stove on medium-low heat until just hot.
More Shrimp Recipes
- 30 Best Shrimp Recipes
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes
- Shrimp Taco Salad
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Baked Coconut Shrimp
- Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta Bake
Recipe
Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles is a low-carb, keto, and gluten-free version of a classic pasta dish. It is healthy, garlicky, flavorful, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup broth (seafood, chicken, or vegetable broth)
- 1 + ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the ends off of each zucchini and cut into noodles using a spiralizer.
- In a large non-stick skillet (this is important!), heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté, tossing gently, until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and butter until butter is melted. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add broth, then season with salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let sauce reduce until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return heat to medium-high, then add shrimp and cook until pink, about 1-2 minutes per side. Squeeze half a lemon over the shrimp, then toss with zoodles.
- Serve scampi with fresh parsley and additional lemon wedges.
Notes
Make ahead instructions: You can prep your ihe best way to prep things ahead for zucchini shrimp scampi is to spiralize the noodles, but wait to cook them until right before serving. The noodles can get soggy or watery as they sit, so best to cook them and eat immediately.
How to store: Shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles are best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat over the stove on medium-low heat until just hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Heather says
I love zucchini noodles!! This shrimp scampi recipe is absolutely perfect and super great idea serving it up with zucchini noodles. Healthy and creative
Michele says
Shrimp scampi is one of our favorites in our house. I love that the recipe is made with zucchini noodles. It makes it so light and healthy. Gives me an excuse to use my spiralizer!
Amanda Mason says
What an amazingly healthy and light dinner idea or summer! I hate heavy meals when it's so hot outside and this one is super light and perfect for these hot days! I love zucchini noodles! What a great substitute for pasta noodles! This recipe is a keeper or sure!
Sri Mallya says
Scampi with zucchini noodles sounds like interesting combo. Looks so delicious. Trying out your recipe soon for dinner!
Elcitrakale says
İ love garlic! that's why İ love scampi 🙂 Never try with zucchini noodle though but can't wait to try.
Julie says
We love zucchini noodles - this looks like such a great light summer dinner. It's so hard to come up with things to eat when it's blazing hot outside - thank you for the inspiration. Adding this to our dinner plan for next week!