If you’re looking to bring a little sunshine and vibrancy to your dinner table, Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles might just become your new obsession. This recipe takes all the magic of a classic pasta night—think juicy shrimp, the zing of fresh lemon, and a hint of garlic—and swirls it together with crisp, colorful zucchini noodles. The result is a light, zesty, and incredibly satisfying meal that feels like a treat but happens to be totally doable on a busy weeknight. Fresh, garlicky, and bursting with bright flavors, Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles is truly the best way to upgrade your healthy dinner routine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles lies in its simplicity; every ingredient is essential and adds its own spark to the dish. Don’t be tempted to skip anything—each component plays a delicious role for balanced flavor, color, and texture.
- Shrimp: Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience—a quick sizzle brings sweet, briny richness to the dish.
- Zucchini: Spiralize two medium zucchinis for the “pasta”—they add a mild crunch and soak up all the tangy sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, minced, infuse the oil with a punchy aromatic base.
- Olive oil: A couple tablespoons of good olive oil pulls everything together and gently fries the garlic to golden perfection.
- Lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon brightens the whole dish and keeps flavors lively.
- Lemon zest: Just a teaspoon of zest adds a vibrant, essential lemony aroma you can’t replicate with juice alone.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and a burst of herbal freshness at the very end.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat, these add a fantastic, subtle kick.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—season as you go!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating up your olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Keep it moving, letting it sizzle just until it releases that intoxicating aroma—usually about 30-60 seconds. Garlic burns quickly, so don’t step away from the stove at this point!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp straight into the garlicky oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn a gorgeous pink and are opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook; shrimp go from succulent to rubbery in a flash.
Step 3: Add Lemon Punch
With the shrimp cooked, stir in that splash of lemon juice and the bright freshly grated zest. This step turns the skillet into a tangy, aromatic wonderland and infuses every bite of your Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles with citrusy magic.
Step 4: Toss in Zucchini Noodles
Next, add your spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, warming the zoodles just until they’ve softened slightly—usually 2-3 minutes is all it takes. You want them to be tender but still keep a bit of snap for that “al dente” feel.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
As soon as the zucchini noodles are just right, remove the pan from heat. Toss through the chopped fresh parsley and gently mix to combine. Serve immediately to capture all the fresh, bright flavors.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles
Garnishes
Amp up the freshness with extra chopped parsley or a final dusting of lemon zest over the top. A crack of black pepper at the table is always welcome, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a few toasted pine nuts or shaved Parmesan for added texture and richness.
Side Dishes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles shine alongside simple sides. Try a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette, or perhaps some roasted cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Warm crusty bread is ideal for soaking up any of that irresistible lemon-garlic sauce left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dinner, twirl the zoodles into pretty nests on each plate and pile the shrimp on top, finishing with your favorite garnishes. Serve family-style on a large platter for effortless elegance, or tuck them into lettuce cups for a playful, party-friendly appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to 2 days, though the zoodles may release a bit of moisture as they sit.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe—the shrimp can become rubbery and zucchini noodles lose their bite once thawed. If you’d like to prep ahead, you can spiralize and refrigerate the zoodles and clean the shrimp up to a day in advance.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, just until everything is hot but not overcooked. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the zucchini noodles mushy and the shrimp tough. A squeeze of fresh lemon helps bring back that just-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures that the shrimp get nicely seared.
What’s the best way to spiralize zucchini?
A handheld spiralizer or a countertop spiralizer both work beautifully for creating uniform zoodles. If you don’t have one, a julienne peeler or even a sharp knife can do the trick in a pinch.
How do I avoid watery zucchini noodles?
If your zoodles are especially juicy, you can sprinkle them lightly with salt, let them sit for about 10 minutes, then gently squeeze out any excess liquid with a clean towel before adding them to the skillet. Quick cooking also helps them keep their shape.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely meal-prep the components—keep the spiralized zucchini, cleaned shrimp, and pre-chopped aromatics separate and assemble right before eating for the freshest results.
What other veggies can I add?
Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even baby spinach make excellent add-ins. Just toss them into the skillet with the shrimp or zoodles for extra color, nutrition, and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wishing dinner could be both effortless and downright delicious, give Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles a try! There’s just something about this bright, zesty flavor combination that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re eating lighter or just craving a little culinary sunshine, this recipe is a tasty win. Enjoy every garlicky, lemony bite!
Print
Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 18 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles is a vibrant, low-carb take on classic pasta, combining juicy shrimp, tender zucchini spirals, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce for a fresh, flavor-packed meal perfect for a light dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp & Marinade
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
Sauce & Flavorings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, allowing the flavors to quickly infuse into the shrimp, about 30 seconds.
- Toss Zucchini Noodles: Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for just 2 minutes, until the noodles are heated through but still slightly crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top, toss gently, and serve immediately for the freshest texture.
Notes
- Do not overcook the zucchini noodles—they should remain slightly crisp, not soggy.
- For added richness, drizzle a little extra olive oil before serving.
- Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for other protein options.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. half recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 140mg