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Zucchini Noodles With Garlic Shrimp – A Fresh, Fast Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles (about 6–7 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for richness)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Method
 

  1. Prep the zucchini. Spiralize the zucchini into noodles and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps prevent excess water in the pan.
  2. Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  3. Cook the shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Sauté the garlic. Lower heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the garlic. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring so it doesn’t brown.
  5. Deglaze and build the sauce. Add white wine or broth and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  6. Add butter (optional). Swirl in the butter until the sauce looks glossy. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat with more red pepper flakes if needed.
  7. Cook the zoodles quickly. Add zucchini noodles and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss continuously for 1–2 minutes until just softened but still crisp-tender.
  8. Bring it together. Return shrimp and any juices to the pan. Toss to coat in the sauce for 30–60 seconds. Add more lemon juice to brighten.
  9. Finish and serve. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan if using. Serve immediately so the noodles stay firm.