Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both light and satisfying! This Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles is a quick and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something special without a lot of fuss. It’s packed with fresh ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Health Benefits
This dish is a fantastic choice for a healthy meal. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a low-carbohydrate alternative to pasta, making this meal lighter and packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and potassium. The garlic and chili flakes add a kick that’s not only tasty but also offers antioxidant properties.
Ingredients Needed
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
* 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, or use chicken broth)
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and black pepper to taste
Step By Step Making
1. Prepare the zucchini noodles using a spiralizer. Set aside.
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet.
6. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
7. Pour in the white wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
8. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss them with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the noodles are slightly tender but still have a bite.
9. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together to warm the shrimp through.
10. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
12. Serve immediately. This dish is wonderful on its own, or you could pair it with a side salad for a complete meal. For other quick and healthy meal ideas, check out this guide on hearty oatmeal and chia seed power to start your day right.
Nutritional Value
This recipe typically yields about 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
- Protein: 25 grams
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams