Creamy Garlic Shrimp Zucchini (Printable Version)

Tender shrimp bathed in garlic cream sauce atop fresh zucchini noodles for a light, flavorful dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables

02 - 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

→ Sauce

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
03 - Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Cook 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
05 - Incorporate lemon juice and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - Return shrimp to skillet, tossing to coat in sauce; cook for 1 minute.
07 - Add zucchini noodles and optional cherry tomatoes. Toss gently for 2–3 minutes until noodles are tender yet firm.
08 - Plate immediately and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent but keeps you light, no heavy carb crash afterward
  • The whole thing comes together in under half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights
  • You get restaurant quality creaminess without any complicated techniques
  • Zucchini noodles soak up the garlic sauce like magic
02 -
  • Do not overcook the zucchini noodles or they will release water and dilute your beautiful sauce
  • If your sauce looks thin, let it simmer another minute before adding the shrimp back, it thickens fast
  • Use a hot skillet for the shrimp or they will turn rubbery instead of getting a nice sear
03 -
  • Spiralize the zucchini right before cooking so they do not sit and release water all over your counter
  • Save a little pasta water, even though this is zoodles, because a spoonful can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick
  • Toast the red pepper flakes in the butter for a few seconds before adding the cream, it blooms the flavor

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