![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) The key to a great Skinny Shrimp Scampi lies in fresh ingredients. The shrimp must be large, juicy, and peeled. I love using four medium zucchinis for their mild flavor. Spiralizing them creates fun noodles that soak up the sauce well. The olive oil adds richness without too many calories. Garlic brings a lovely aroma, and red pepper flakes add a hint of heat. The lemon juice and zest brighten the dish, while low-sodium chicken broth keeps it flavorful yet light. - Additional vegetables (bell peppers, spinach) - Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro) - Different types of cheese Want to customize your dish? Add bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can elevate the flavors even more. If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle some on top for a creamy finish. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. How to spiralize zucchini noodles To make zucchini noodles, start with firm zucchinis. Cut off the ends of each zucchini. Use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler to create long, thin noodles. Make sure to turn the zucchini as you spiralize. This helps you get even noodles. Place the noodles in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This removes extra moisture. How to properly clean and devein shrimp Begin by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Use your fingers to remove the shell. Pinch the tail to remove it easily. To devein, use a small knife or shrimp deveiner. Make a shallow cut along the back. Pull out the dark vein with your fingers. Rinse the shrimp again to clean any residue. Detailed cooking process of sautéing garlic and shrimp Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the cleaned shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. How to combine shrimp and zucchini noodles in the skillet In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil and the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. Now, add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Cook for 2-4 minutes, tossing gently. You want them tender but not mushy. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together. Heat through for about 1 minute. Ideas for garnishing and presenting the dish To make your dish look great, garnish with chopped parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds flavor and charm. You can serve it in a large bowl or on plates. A lemon wedge on the side brightens the look. Recommended side dishes to complement the meal Serve the shrimp scampi with a light salad or garlic bread. A simple arugula salad with vinaigrette pairs well. You can also enjoy it with steamed broccoli for a healthy touch. For a fun twist, try serving it with roasted veggies. You will love how the flavors blend! To make this dish lighter, use less oil. You can sauté garlic in water or broth. This way, you still get great flavor. If you're looking for low-calorie options, consider using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. Both can soak up the same tasty sauce. For this recipe, a large skillet works best. A non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking. I recommend using a 12-inch skillet for space. A spiralizer is a must-have too. It turns zucchini into noodles easily. You can also use a vegetable peeler if you don't have one. One common mistake is overcooking zucchini noodles. They should be tender but still firm. Cook them for just 2-4 minutes. Another mistake is underseasoning the shrimp and sauce. Use enough salt, pepper, and lemon juice for taste. These little details make a big difference! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth. For low-carb options, stick to the zucchini noodles. They keep the meal light and healthy. You can swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu, making it fit various diets. Want a spicy kick? Add more red pepper flakes to the dish. This simple change can really amp up the flavor. You can also use different citrus fruits. Try lime or orange instead of lemon for a fresh twist. Each citrus brings its unique zing! Feel free to change the protein. Chicken or tofu works well in this recipe. This flexibility helps to cater to different tastes. You can also adjust for seasonal produce. For example, add asparagus in spring or cherry tomatoes in summer. These swaps keep the dish exciting and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. Skinny shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles lasts about 3 days in the fridge. To store it, place it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Heat it just until warm to keep the shrimp tender and the zucchini noodles from becoming mushy. To freeze shrimp scampi, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When it's time to enjoy, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge. For best texture, reheat it on the stove over low heat. This way, the shrimp and zucchini retain their flavor. For quick cooking, spiralize the zucchinis ahead of time. Store them in a sealed bag in the fridge. You can also clean and devein the shrimp in advance. If you want to batch cook, make a larger quantity of the dish and store it. Divide it into meal-sized portions for easy reheating. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze! You can find the full recipe in the earlier sections. What can I substitute for shrimp? If you want to swap shrimp, use chicken or tofu. Both options work well in this dish. You can also try scallops for a seafood twist. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can! Replace shrimp with mushrooms or chickpeas. Both add flavor and texture to the dish. How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked? Shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as it can become tough. Is this recipe low in calories? Yes, this recipe is low in calories. Using zucchini noodles cuts down on carbs and calories. A typical serving is about 250 calories, making it a light meal. How does the nutrition compare to traditional spaghetti? Skinny shrimp scampi has fewer calories than traditional spaghetti. Zucchini noodles have fewer carbohydrates, making this dish a healthier choice. What’s the best way to spiralize zucchini? To spiralize zucchini, use a spiralizer. You can also use a julienne peeler. Both tools create long, thin noodles. How can I keep the zucchini noodles from getting watery? To prevent watery noodles, salt the zucchini before cooking. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. This helps remove excess moisture. This blog post covered a tasty and healthy skinny shrimp scampi. We explored key ingredients, detailed steps for cooking, and tips to make it better. You can customize this dish to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overcooking zucchini. With these tips, you'll impress anyone with your cooking skills. Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal that’s easy and good for you!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/4eefec01-a9c5-4c2e-a0a5-7a039f2c809b-768x768.webp)
If you’re seeking a fresh, healthy twist on the classic shrimp scampi, you’ve landed in the right place! My Skinny Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles packs all the flavor without the guilt. Made with tender shrimp and vibrant zucchini, this dish is not only easy to whip up but also light and satisfying. Ready to dive into a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 lemon, juiced and zested
– 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
The key to a great Skinny Shrimp Scampi lies in fresh ingredients. The shrimp must be large, juicy, and peeled. I love using four medium zucchinis for their mild flavor. Spiralizing them creates fun noodles that soak up the sauce well.
The olive oil adds richness without too many calories. Garlic brings a lovely aroma, and red pepper flakes add a hint of heat. The lemon juice and zest brighten the dish, while low-sodium chicken broth keeps it flavorful yet light.
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor
– Additional vegetables (bell peppers, spinach)
– Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro)
– Different types of cheese
Want to customize your dish? Add bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can elevate the flavors even more. If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle some on top for a creamy finish.
For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe].
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
How to spiralize zucchini noodles
To make zucchini noodles, start with firm zucchinis. Cut off the ends of each zucchini. Use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler to create long, thin noodles. Make sure to turn the zucchini as you spiralize. This helps you get even noodles. Place the noodles in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This removes extra moisture.
How to properly clean and devein shrimp
Begin by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Use your fingers to remove the shell. Pinch the tail to remove it easily. To devein, use a small knife or shrimp deveiner. Make a shallow cut along the back. Pull out the dark vein with your fingers. Rinse the shrimp again to clean any residue.
Cooking Instructions
Detailed cooking process of sautéing garlic and shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the cleaned shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
How to combine shrimp and zucchini noodles in the skillet
In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil and the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. Now, add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Cook for 2-4 minutes, tossing gently. You want them tender but not mushy. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together. Heat through for about 1 minute.
Serving Suggestions
Ideas for garnishing and presenting the dish
To make your dish look great, garnish with chopped parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds flavor and charm. You can serve it in a large bowl or on plates. A lemon wedge on the side brightens the look.
Recommended side dishes to complement the meal
Serve the shrimp scampi with a light salad or garlic bread. A simple arugula salad with vinaigrette pairs well. You can also enjoy it with steamed broccoli for a healthy touch. For a fun twist, try serving it with roasted veggies. You will love how the flavors blend!
Tips & Tricks
Healthier Cooking Tips
To make this dish lighter, use less oil. You can sauté garlic in water or broth. This way, you still get great flavor. If you’re looking for low-calorie options, consider using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. Both can soak up the same tasty sauce.
Cooking Equipment
For this recipe, a large skillet works best. A non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking. I recommend using a 12-inch skillet for space. A spiralizer is a must-have too. It turns zucchini into noodles easily. You can also use a vegetable peeler if you don’t have one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking zucchini noodles. They should be tender but still firm. Cook them for just 2-4 minutes. Another mistake is underseasoning the shrimp and sauce. Use enough salt, pepper, and lemon juice for taste. These little details make a big difference!
Variations
Dietary Substitutions
You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth. For low-carb options, stick to the zucchini noodles. They keep the meal light and healthy. You can swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu, making it fit various diets.
Flavor Customizations
Want a spicy kick? Add more red pepper flakes to the dish. This simple change can really amp up the flavor. You can also use different citrus fruits. Try lime or orange instead of lemon for a fresh twist. Each citrus brings its unique zing!
Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to change the protein. Chicken or tofu works well in this recipe. This flexibility helps to cater to different tastes. You can also adjust for seasonal produce. For example, add asparagus in spring or cherry tomatoes in summer. These swaps keep the dish exciting and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
Skinny shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles lasts about 3 days in the fridge. To store it, place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Heat it just until warm to keep the shrimp tender and the zucchini noodles from becoming mushy.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze shrimp scampi, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge. For best texture, reheat it on the stove over low heat. This way, the shrimp and zucchini retain their flavor.
Meal Prep Ideas
For quick cooking, spiralize the zucchinis ahead of time. Store them in a sealed bag in the fridge. You can also clean and devein the shrimp in advance. If you want to batch cook, make a larger quantity of the dish and store it. Divide it into meal-sized portions for easy reheating. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze! You can find the full recipe in the earlier sections.
FAQs
Common Questions about Skinny Shrimp Scampi
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If you want to swap shrimp, use chicken or tofu. Both options work well in this dish. You can also try scallops for a seafood twist.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Replace shrimp with mushrooms or chickpeas. Both add flavor and texture to the dish.
How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as it can become tough.
Nutritional Information Queries
Is this recipe low in calories?
Yes, this recipe is low in calories. Using zucchini noodles cuts down on carbs and calories. A typical serving is about 250 calories, making it a light meal.
How does the nutrition compare to traditional spaghetti?
Skinny shrimp scampi has fewer calories than traditional spaghetti. Zucchini noodles have fewer carbohydrates, making this dish a healthier choice.
Cooking Technique Questions
What’s the best way to spiralize zucchini?
To spiralize zucchini, use a spiralizer. You can also use a julienne peeler. Both tools create long, thin noodles.
How can I keep the zucchini noodles from getting watery?
To prevent watery noodles, salt the zucchini before cooking. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. This helps remove excess moisture.
This blog post covered a tasty and healthy skinny shrimp scampi. We explored key ingredients, detailed steps for cooking, and tips to make it better. You can customize this dish to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overcooking zucchini. With these tips, you’ll impress anyone with your cooking skills. Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal that’s easy and good for you!
![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) The key to a great Skinny Shrimp Scampi lies in fresh ingredients. The shrimp must be large, juicy, and peeled. I love using four medium zucchinis for their mild flavor. Spiralizing them creates fun noodles that soak up the sauce well. The olive oil adds richness without too many calories. Garlic brings a lovely aroma, and red pepper flakes add a hint of heat. The lemon juice and zest brighten the dish, while low-sodium chicken broth keeps it flavorful yet light. - Additional vegetables (bell peppers, spinach) - Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro) - Different types of cheese Want to customize your dish? Add bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can elevate the flavors even more. If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle some on top for a creamy finish. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. How to spiralize zucchini noodles To make zucchini noodles, start with firm zucchinis. Cut off the ends of each zucchini. Use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler to create long, thin noodles. Make sure to turn the zucchini as you spiralize. This helps you get even noodles. Place the noodles in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This removes extra moisture. How to properly clean and devein shrimp Begin by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Use your fingers to remove the shell. Pinch the tail to remove it easily. To devein, use a small knife or shrimp deveiner. Make a shallow cut along the back. Pull out the dark vein with your fingers. Rinse the shrimp again to clean any residue. Detailed cooking process of sautéing garlic and shrimp Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the cleaned shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. How to combine shrimp and zucchini noodles in the skillet In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil and the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. Now, add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Cook for 2-4 minutes, tossing gently. You want them tender but not mushy. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together. Heat through for about 1 minute. Ideas for garnishing and presenting the dish To make your dish look great, garnish with chopped parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds flavor and charm. You can serve it in a large bowl or on plates. A lemon wedge on the side brightens the look. Recommended side dishes to complement the meal Serve the shrimp scampi with a light salad or garlic bread. A simple arugula salad with vinaigrette pairs well. You can also enjoy it with steamed broccoli for a healthy touch. For a fun twist, try serving it with roasted veggies. You will love how the flavors blend! To make this dish lighter, use less oil. You can sauté garlic in water or broth. This way, you still get great flavor. If you're looking for low-calorie options, consider using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. Both can soak up the same tasty sauce. For this recipe, a large skillet works best. A non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking. I recommend using a 12-inch skillet for space. A spiralizer is a must-have too. It turns zucchini into noodles easily. You can also use a vegetable peeler if you don't have one. One common mistake is overcooking zucchini noodles. They should be tender but still firm. Cook them for just 2-4 minutes. Another mistake is underseasoning the shrimp and sauce. Use enough salt, pepper, and lemon juice for taste. These little details make a big difference! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth. For low-carb options, stick to the zucchini noodles. They keep the meal light and healthy. You can swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu, making it fit various diets. Want a spicy kick? Add more red pepper flakes to the dish. This simple change can really amp up the flavor. You can also use different citrus fruits. Try lime or orange instead of lemon for a fresh twist. Each citrus brings its unique zing! Feel free to change the protein. Chicken or tofu works well in this recipe. This flexibility helps to cater to different tastes. You can also adjust for seasonal produce. For example, add asparagus in spring or cherry tomatoes in summer. These swaps keep the dish exciting and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. Skinny shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles lasts about 3 days in the fridge. To store it, place it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Heat it just until warm to keep the shrimp tender and the zucchini noodles from becoming mushy. To freeze shrimp scampi, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When it's time to enjoy, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge. For best texture, reheat it on the stove over low heat. This way, the shrimp and zucchini retain their flavor. For quick cooking, spiralize the zucchinis ahead of time. Store them in a sealed bag in the fridge. You can also clean and devein the shrimp in advance. If you want to batch cook, make a larger quantity of the dish and store it. Divide it into meal-sized portions for easy reheating. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze! You can find the full recipe in the earlier sections. What can I substitute for shrimp? If you want to swap shrimp, use chicken or tofu. Both options work well in this dish. You can also try scallops for a seafood twist. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can! Replace shrimp with mushrooms or chickpeas. Both add flavor and texture to the dish. How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked? Shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as it can become tough. Is this recipe low in calories? Yes, this recipe is low in calories. Using zucchini noodles cuts down on carbs and calories. A typical serving is about 250 calories, making it a light meal. How does the nutrition compare to traditional spaghetti? Skinny shrimp scampi has fewer calories than traditional spaghetti. Zucchini noodles have fewer carbohydrates, making this dish a healthier choice. What’s the best way to spiralize zucchini? To spiralize zucchini, use a spiralizer. You can also use a julienne peeler. Both tools create long, thin noodles. How can I keep the zucchini noodles from getting watery? To prevent watery noodles, salt the zucchini before cooking. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. This helps remove excess moisture. This blog post covered a tasty and healthy skinny shrimp scampi. We explored key ingredients, detailed steps for cooking, and tips to make it better. You can customize this dish to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overcooking zucchini. With these tips, you'll impress anyone with your cooking skills. Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal that’s easy and good for you!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/4eefec01-a9c5-4c2e-a0a5-7a039f2c809b-250x250.webp)
