Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles (Print)
Juicy shrimp in garlicky cream sauce over tender zucchini noodles. Light, flavorful low-carb meal ready in 30 minutes.
# Ingredient list:
→ Seafood
01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Vegetables
02 - 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
03 - 2 tablespoons shallot, finely chopped
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
→ Dairy
05 - ½ cup heavy cream
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Pantry & Seasonings
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - ½ teaspoon sea salt, divided
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
11 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
13 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until opaque and pink. Transfer to a plate.
03 - Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and the shallot to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
04 - Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
05 - Add the zucchini noodles and remaining salt. Toss gently for 2–3 minutes, until just tender but not mushy.
06 - Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours
- Perfect for those nights when you want something elegant without the carb coma
- The shrimp stay juicy and tender every single time
02 -
- Overcooked zucchini noodles release water and turn your sauce into soup
- Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly than cold from the fridge
- Dry shrimp are non-negotiable for getting that restaurant-quality sear
03 -
- Work in batches if your skillet isnt large enough for all shrimp
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for subtle warmth