Skinny Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini (Printable Version)

Succulent shrimp tossed with zucchini noodles in garlic lemon butter sauce for a light, low-carb dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables

02 - 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
03 - 2 cups baby spinach, optional
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
05 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, optional

→ Aromatics and Flavor

06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
08 - Zest of 1 lemon
09 - Juice of 1 large lemon
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Fats

11 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, optional, or additional olive oil for dairy-free

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
04 - Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and toss with tongs for 2 to 3 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
05 - Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and cherry tomatoes if using. Toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
06 - Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add baby spinach if using and toss until just wilted.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Divide among serving bowls and top with optional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and buttery but won't leave you feeling sluggish, which is honestly the dream for a weeknight dinner.
  • The whole thing comes together faster than ordering takeout, and your kitchen smells incredible while it happens.
  • Zucchini noodles have this wonderful slight crunch when you nail the timing, creating a texture contrast that keeps things interesting.
02 -
  • Zucchini releases water as it cooks, which is why timing is everything—go thirty seconds too long and you'll have a watery situation that can't be fixed.
  • The shrimp will continue cooking slightly after you remove the pan from heat, so pull them off the skillet when they're still just barely opaque in the very center.
03 -
  • Buy the largest shrimp you can find because they stay more tender and cook more evenly than smaller ones, plus they look more impressive on the plate.
  • If you're spiralizing your own zucchini, do it right before cooking so they don't have time to release water and become soggy.
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