Zucchini Shrimp Scampi 🍤🥒🧄

Light, garlicky, and bursting with fresh flavor

Introduction

Zucchini Shrimp Scampi is a lighter twist on the classic shrimp scampi—swapping pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) while keeping that rich garlic, lemon, and buttery sauce.

It’s quick, low-carb, and perfect for a fresh, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Main:

300g shrimp (peeled & deveined)
3–4 zucchini (spiralized into noodles)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste

Finish:

Fresh parsley (chopped)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Substitutions:

Shrimp → chicken or tofu
Zucchini noodles → spaghetti or other pasta
Butter → olive oil
Parmesan → dairy-free alternative

Timing

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook shrimp

Heat oil or butter in a pan. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté garlic

In the same pan, add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 3: Make sauce

Add broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer briefly.

Step 4: Add zucchini noodles

Add zoodles and cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender.

Step 5: Combine

Return shrimp to pan and toss everything together.

Step 6: Finish

Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley and Parmesan.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately while fresh and hot.

Nutritional Information (approx per serving)

Calories: 250–350 kcal
Protein: 25–30g
Carbohydrates: 8–15g
Fat: 10–18g

Healthier Alternatives

Use less oil or butter
Skip cheese
Add more vegetables (spinach, tomatoes)
Use low-sodium broth
Increase shrimp portion for more protein

Serving Suggestions

With garlic bread
Over rice or quinoa
With a side salad
With roasted vegetables
Add chili flakes for heat

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking shrimp (rubbery texture)
Cooking zucchini too long (watery)
Not draining zoodles
Too much liquid in sauce
Skipping seasoning

Storage Tips

Store in fridge up to 2 days
Reheat gently
Best eaten fresh (zoodles release water)
Store sauce separately if possible
Avoid freezing