Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles

Discover a quick and healthy weeknight meal with Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles! This vibrant dish pairs succulent shrimp with fresh zucchini noodles, all brought together by the bright flavors of lemon and garlic. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a gourmet experience that is both delicious and nutritious. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe provides a balanced dose of protein and veggies, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising on health. Embrace the delightful taste and simple preparation that will keep you coming back for more!

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, juiced and zested (reserve zest for garnish)

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on desired spice level)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:

- Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles. Place them in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt to help draw out moisture. Set aside to rest for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Shrimp:

- In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

- Once the oil shimmers, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the red pepper flakes.

- Sauté the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until fragrant.

- Pour in the fresh lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine and deglaze the skillet by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Combine Ingredients:

- Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic-lemon sauce for about 2-3 minutes. Cook just until they are tender but still have a slight crunch (al dente).

- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Serve:

- Plate the lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles on individual plates. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of the remaining red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

- For added richness and flavor, you may optionally top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings