Name: Garlic Shrimp Bowl with Zucchini Noodles & Lemon Butter Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 medium zucchini, spiralized; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

I love how this Garlic Shrimp Bowl with Zucchini Noodles & Lemon Butter Sauce feels light yet completely satisfying at the same time. Juicy shrimp, tender-crisp zucchini noodles, and a silky lemon butter sauce come together in one vibrant bowl that feels fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 medium zucchini, spiralized

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

I start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels, then I season them with salt, black pepper, and paprika to build flavor right from the beginning.

I heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, I arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for about 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Once melted, I stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

I add the lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring everything together into a smooth, silky sauce.

Next, I add the zucchini noodles and sauté them for 2–3 minutes. I keep them slightly crisp so they do not become watery.

I return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together so the shrimp and zucchini are fully coated in the lemon butter sauce.

Finally, I remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley and grated Parmesan over the top before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the zucchini noodles for spaghetti squash if I want a slightly different texture. When I am not concerned about keeping it low carb, I like serving the shrimp and sauce over linguine or rice.

For extra vegetables, I like adding cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus to the skillet. If I want a creamier sauce, I stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

When I am craving more heat, I increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since zucchini noodles release moisture over time, I prefer to enjoy this dish fresh.

To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat for just a few minutes until heated through. I avoid microwaving for too long because the shrimp can become rubbery and the zucchini too soft.

FAQs

How do I keep zucchini noodles from getting watery?

I avoid overcooking them and sauté them just until slightly tender. Sometimes I lightly salt them beforehand and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

I can use frozen shrimp as long as I fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps them sear properly.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

I find this recipe very keto-friendly since it uses zucchini noodles instead of pasta and contains healthy fats from butter and olive oil.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I can replace the butter with more olive oil or a dairy-free alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

What can I serve with this dish?

I like serving it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. If I want something more filling, I pair it with crusty bread or rice.

Conclusion

I love how this Garlic Shrimp Bowl with Zucchini Noodles & Lemon Butter Sauce delivers bold flavor while staying light and fresh. It is quick, nutritious, and packed with bright lemon, savory garlic, and tender shrimp. Whenever I want a healthy dinner that still feels indulgent, this is one of my favorite go-to recipes.

📖 Recipe:

Garlic Shrimp Bowl with Zucchini Noodles & Lemon Butter Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Garlic Shrimp Bowl with Zucchini Noodles & Lemon Butter Sauce is light yet satisfying, featuring juicy shrimp, tender zucchini noodles, and a bright, silky lemon butter sauce. It is a fresh and flavorful meal perfect for a wholesome dinner.