Description
A quick, 15-minute weeknight meal featuring tender shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce served over zucchini noodles. This low-carb, high-flavor dish is family-approved and perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, thawed and patted dry
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized or peeled into ribbons
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini noodles by washing, trimming ends, and spiralizing or peeling. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil or butter. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in heavy cream and garlic powder. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add zucchini noodles to the sauce and toss for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Return shrimp to the pan and toss for another minute to reheat.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra crack of black pepper.
Notes
Do not overcook the shrimp or they will become rubbery. Pat zucchini noodles dry to prevent a watery sauce. Use high-quality butter for better flavor. If using salted butter, reduce added salt. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil and coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: keto, low carb, garlic butter shrimp, zucchini noodles, weeknight dinner, quick meals, healthy eating, gluten-free