Quick Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodles Recipe Easy 15-Minute Dinner
A quick and easy 15-minute dinner featuring tender garlic butter shrimp and fresh zucchini noodles, perfect for a light and satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large-sized; fresh or thawed frozen)
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Handful fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Wash and trim the ends of 3 medium zucchinis. Using a spiralizer, create long noodles, then set aside in a colander to drain excess moisture. Pat dry lightly with paper towels to prevent sogginess. (About 5 minutes)
- Peel and devein shrimp if not prepped. Mince 4-5 garlic cloves finely. Chop a handful of fresh parsley for garnish. (3 minutes)
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Let the butter melt and bubble gently. (2 minutes)
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly. Avoid browning or burning the garlic. (1 minute)
- Add shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Cook in batches if needed. (5-6 minutes)
- Lower heat to medium. Add zucchini noodles to the pan with shrimp, tossing gently for 1-2 minutes just to warm through and coat with garlic butter. Keep noodles slightly firm. (2 minutes)
- Remove pan from heat. Squeeze juice of one lemon over noodles and shrimp, toss again. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately. (1 minute)
Notes
Drain and pat zucchini noodles dry before cooking to prevent sogginess. Cook garlic on medium heat and stir constantly to avoid burning. Cook shrimp in batches to prevent steaming and ensure tenderness. Toss zucchini noodles briefly to keep them al dente. Use fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors. For dairy-free option, replace butter with olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe (about 1/
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: quick dinner, garlic shrimp, zucchini noodles, low carb, gluten free, easy recipe, weeknight meal, healthy dinner