Skinny Shrimp Scampi Zucchini (Printable Version)

Tender shrimp and zucchini noodles tossed in a garlicky lemon sauce for a light, flavorful dish.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables

02 - 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
03 - 2 cups baby spinach, optional
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
05 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, optional

→ Aromatics and Flavor

06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
08 - Zest of 1 lemon
09 - Juice of 1 large lemon
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Fats

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, optional or use additional olive oil for dairy-free

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until just pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
04 - Add the zucchini noodles and toss with tongs for 2 to 3 minutes, just until tender but still slightly crisp. Do not overcook.
05 - Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and cherry tomatoes if using. Toss to combine.
06 - Return the shrimp to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add baby spinach if using and toss until just wilted.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, topped with optional Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 25 minutes, which means weeknight dinner without the stress or takeout temptation.
  • The garlicky lemon sauce is bold enough to feel indulgent but light enough that you won't feel sluggish afterward.
  • Zucchini noodles cook so quickly they stay slightly crisp, giving you that textural contrast that makes eating feel intentional and delicious.
02 -
  • Zucchini noodles release water as they cook, and if you're not careful they'll turn into a mushy puddle—keep the heat medium-high, cook them briefly, and serve immediately.
  • Don't skip drying the shrimp; wet shrimp won't brown, they'll just poach, and you'll lose that textural contrast that makes them special.
03 -
  • Spiralize your zucchini right before cooking so they don't sit and release water; if you must do it ahead, pat them dry with paper towels just before they hit the pan.
  • Don't be shy with the lemon zest—that's where the magic lives, and you can always use less next time if it's too bright for you.
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