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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved These main ingredients create the heart of the dish. The shrimp provide a nice protein boost. Zucchini noodles are a great low-carb alternative to pasta. They soak up the flavors well, making them a perfect base. Garlic adds a rich aroma and taste, while cherry tomatoes bring a sweet burst of freshness. - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon (for an extra zing) Seasonings elevate the dish. Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Salt and pepper are essential for balancing flavors. Garnishing with parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Lemon zest enhances the overall taste, making each bite lively. - A splash of white wine - A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese - A handful of spinach or kale These optional ingredients can make your dish even better. Adding white wine brings depth and richness. Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty note. Spinach or kale can boost the veggie content and bring more nutrients. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like! To start, you need to make the zucchini noodles. Grab four medium zucchinis. Use a spiralizer to turn them into noodle shapes. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works too. Just make thin, ribbon-like strips instead. After spiralizing, set the noodles aside. This step is quick and easy, and it keeps your dish light and fresh. Now, let’s move to the skillet. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to a large skillet. Heat it over medium heat until the butter melts. Next, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir for about 30 seconds, so it gets fragrant. Watch closely to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Then, add 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soften. This will add a nice sweetness to your dish. Once the tomatoes soften, gently fold in the zucchini noodles. Mix everything well, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. You want the noodles to heat through but still stay slightly crunchy. After that, remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and the zest of 1 lemon. Toss it all together to blend the flavors. Before serving, taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Plate your shrimp scampi in shallow bowls. Garnish with finely chopped parsley for color and extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! To spiralize zucchini, you need a spiralizer. Place the zucchini in the tool and twist. This will create long, noodle-like strips. Make sure to press down gently. If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler. Cut thin, wide strips instead. This method takes a bit longer but will still give you creamy noodles. Cooking shrimp takes just a few minutes. Heat your skillet on medium heat. Add olive oil and butter, then garlic. Once the garlic smells great, add shrimp. Keep an eye on the color. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them as soon as they are done. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery. Serve your skinny shrimp scampi in shallow bowls. This makes the dish look fancy. You can add a lemon wedge on the side. This adds freshness and a burst of flavor. Pair this dish with a crisp salad or whole-grain bread. These sides complement the lightness of the scampi well. For more fun, check out the Full Recipe for extra tips! {{image_4}} If you want to mix things up, try different veggies. You can use spaghetti squash for a similar texture. Cauliflower rice also works great and adds fiber. Carrots can be spiralized too, giving a sweet twist. Each of these choices brings new flavors and crunch to your dish. While shrimp shines in this dish, you can switch proteins easily. Chicken breast is a lean choice and cooks well in the same sauce. Scallops provide a sweet taste that pairs nicely. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas, which add protein and make the dish hearty. Herbs and spices can elevate your shrimp scampi. Fresh basil adds a nice touch, giving it an Italian flair. For a kick, use cayenne pepper in place of red pepper flakes. You might also enjoy adding fresh thyme for a subtle earthiness. Feel free to experiment with flavors that you love! After enjoying your skinny shrimp scampi, you might have some leftovers. To store them, use an airtight container. Place the shrimp and zucchini noodles together or separately, but it's best to keep them in the same dish for flavor. Make sure to cool the food to room temperature before sealing the container. This step helps prevent moisture and keeps your dish fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat your leftovers, the stovetop is the best option. Heat a skillet on medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a little water to the pan to prevent sticking. Place the leftovers in the skillet. Stir gently until heated through. This method keeps the shrimp tender and the zucchini noodles firm. Avoid the microwave if you can; it often makes shrimp rubbery and zucchini too soft. If you want to save your dish for a later date, freezing is a good choice. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. You can also use freezer bags for easier storage. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Your skinny shrimp scampi can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For an easy meal, have the Full Recipe on hand to recreate the magic! Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," are made from fresh zucchini. They are a great low-carb substitute for regular pasta. Zoodles have a light, fresh taste and a crunchy texture. They absorb flavors well and cook quickly. Unlike wheat pasta, they have fewer calories and carbs, making them a healthier choice. You can spiralize zucchini with a tool or a peeler. This dish tastes great with shrimp and the other ingredients in the recipe. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. You can spiralize the zucchini and store it in the fridge for a few hours. The shrimp can also be prepped and marinated in advance. However, I recommend cooking the dish fresh for the best taste. Zoodles can become soggy if left too long after cooking. If you must store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To change the spice level, you can adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer less heat. You can always add more later. You can also add other spices like black pepper for extra warmth or even a pinch of cayenne for a bolder kick. Just remember to taste as you go to find the right balance for your palate. You can find the Full Recipe for Skinny Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles in the article above. It includes all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this healthy and tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking! In this blog post, I covered how to make Skinny Shrimp Scampi with zucchini noodles. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. I also shared variations and storage methods to help you enjoy your meal later. By following these steps, you can create a healthy and tasty dish. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the new ways to cook shrimp. Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own!

Skinny Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

Savor the delicious flavors of Skinny Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles! This light and healthy dish combines succulent shrimp with fresh zucchini noodles, garlic, and cherry tomatoes for a quick meal ready in just 20 minutes. Discover how easy it is to enjoy a guilt-free version of this classic favorite. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Zest of 1 lemon (for an extra zing)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Start by spiralizing the zucchinis into noodle shapes and set them aside. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler can be used to create thin, ribbon-like strips as an alternative.

    Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and add the butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter has melted completely, creating a rich mixture for sautéing.

      Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be attentive to avoid burning the garlic, as it will become bitter if overcooked.

        Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are fully cooked, turning pink and opaque.

          Incorporate the Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices, enhancing the dish's flavor.

            Add the Zucchini Noodles: Gently fold the spiralized zucchini noodles into the skillet, mixing to combine. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, just enough to heat the noodles through while keeping them slightly crunchy for texture.

              Finish with Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle in the fresh lemon juice along with the lemon zest. Toss everything together to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.

                Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.

                  Serve: Plate your delicious shrimp scampi immediately, garnishing generously with freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls for a modern look, and consider adding a lemon wedge on the side for an attractive touch and an extra hint of freshness.