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Garlic Shrimp Zoodle Bowl - Fresh, Light, and Ready in Minutes

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into zoodles
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more to taste)
  • Zest of 1 lemon + 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or dry white wine)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional but tasty)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or basil)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, halved olives, capers

Method
 

  1. Prep the zucchini. Spiralize the zucchini into noodles. If they seem very wet, toss with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes. Gently squeeze to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season the shrimp. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  3. Sear the shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Sauté the aromatics. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil and butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant—don’t brown the garlic.
  5. Deglaze and build flavor. Add broth (or wine) and lemon zest. Scrape up any browned bits. Simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Cook the zoodles. Add zucchini noodles and toss with tongs. Cook 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. You want them softened but not limp.
  7. Finish the dish. Return shrimp to the pan with any juices. Add lemon juice, parsley, and Parmesan if using. Toss to coat. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon.
  8. Serve immediately. Plate in warm bowls. Garnish with extra herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and more Parmesan if you like.