Low Carb Dinner: Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Garlicky shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles is the low carb swap that actually became more popular than the original. Lighter, fresher, just as satisfying.

Cook 25 min Difficulty EASY 320 kcal
#low carb #mediterranean #high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) 1 lb
  • Zucchini (large, spiralized) 4 pieces
  • Olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Butter 2 tbsp
  • Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
  • Lemon (juice only) 1 tbsp
  • Crushed red pepper flakes 0.25 tsp
  • Salt 0.5 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • Fresh parsley (chopped) 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 9 g 11%
Protein 27 g 34%
Fat 18 g 55%
Serving size 300g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and bubbling.

  3. 3

    Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30–40 seconds, stirring constantly, just until fragrant—do not brown.

  4. 4

    Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side, flip, and cook for 1–2 more minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

  5. 5

    Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the same skillet. Toss gently over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, just until barely tender but still crisp—it’s important not to overcook or they’ll get watery.

  6. 6

    Return shrimp to the skillet, add lemon juice, and toss everything together for 30 seconds, just to rewarm and combine flavors.

  7. 7

    Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient is the large shrimp, which forms the base of this dish’s distinctive flavor and juicy texture. Combined with fresh zucchini noodles for lightness, these two ingredients define both the taste and the low carb identity of the recipe.
Q. How should I control the heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp or zucchini noodles?
Use medium-high heat when cooking the shrimp and cook them until just opaque—typically 2 minutes per side. For the zucchini noodles, sauté gently over medium heat for only 2–3 minutes; overcooking will cause them to release water and lose their pleasant spiral texture.
Q. How can I keep the zucchini noodles from becoming soggy?
The key is quick cooking. Add the noodles to the hot skillet and toss just until barely tender. Avoid prolonged cooking or letting them sit in the pan, which will cause excess moisture and a mushy result. Serving immediately after mixing everything together helps preserve ideal texture.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown per serving?
Each serving (300g) contains 320 kcal, 9g carbohydrates (11% of calories), 27g protein (34% of calories), and 18g fat (55% of calories), making it a high-protein, low-carb meal well-suited for low carbohydrate diets and balanced nutrition.
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