Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

Mar 11

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 10 minutes

Embrace the healthy twist of replacing traditional pasta with vibrant zucchini noodles, adding a refreshing crunch to each bite.

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*Light, fresh, and full of flavor—this lemon garlic shrimp over zucchini noodles is a quick and healthy dinner*

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is my idea of the perfect light-yet-satisfying dinner. It’s one of those recipes that feels super fancy but secretly takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The shrimp cook up quickly with that irresistible combo of lemon, garlic, and a little butter, and then they’re tossed with spiralized zucchini for a fresh, veggie-packed twist. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re eating at a beachside café—but really, you're just in your own kitchen on a Tuesday.

I love this recipe because it checks so many boxes: low-carb, gluten-free, and loaded with protein, but still full of flavor. If you’re someone who’s trying to add more vegetables to your meals without sacrificing taste, zucchini noodles are your new best friend. They soak up all the garlicky-lemony pan sauce beautifully without getting soggy. Plus, they’re a great way to use up summer squash if you’ve got a garden surplus (or just got a little excited at the farmers’ market).

This shrimp and zoodle combo is also perfect for meal prep. You can spiralize the zucchini and clean the shrimp ahead of time, then everything comes together in under 10 minutes when you're ready to eat. It’s great for weeknight dinners, but I’ve also served it on date nights and even brought it to a girls’ night potluck. It looks impressive in the bowl, tastes restaurant-worthy, and always gets compliments—without you breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 2 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 290

8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or 10-12 oz pre-made zucchini noodles (zoodles)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps

Step 1

Rinse the raw shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. If needed, remove the shells and devein the shrimp. Set them aside.

Step 2

If you have a spiralizer, wash the zucchinis, trim off the ends, and spiralize them to create long zucchini noodles. Alternatively, you can use pre-made zucchini noodles (zoodles) available in most grocery stores. If using pre-made zoodles, skip this step and move to Step 3.

Step 3

In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated in the flavorful marinade. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.

Step 5

Add the spiralized zucchini noodles or pre-made zucchini noodles (zoodles) to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly softened but still have a pleasant crunch.

Step 6

Toss the cooked shrimp with the zucchini noodles in the skillet to combine, allowing the flavors of the garlic and lemon to infuse the zucchini noodles.

Step 7

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, depending on your preference. Garnish the Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles with fresh parsley for added freshness and a pop of color.

Step 8

Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the flavors are at their peak. Divide the Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles between plates and serve as a delightful and healthy dinner option.

Make it your own!

🍝 Use real pasta
Not feeling zoodles? Swap them with angel hair or spaghetti for a more traditional, cozy feel.
🌶 Spice it up
Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the shrimp for a warm, subtle kick.
🥦 Add extra veggies
Stir in spiralized carrots or bell pepper strips to boost color and crunch.
🐟 Switch the protein
Try it with scallops, flaky white fish, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a tasty twist.