Gluten-free zucchini pasta with lemon garlic shrimp is a delectable alternative to traditional shrimp scampi and linguini. Zoodles made from courgette are a great alternative to regular pasta because they are lighter, healthier, and more vegetable-packed.
Zucchini pasta is a great alternative to traditional pasta as it is made from spiralized zucchini, which is a low-calorie and nutrient-dense vegetable. This recipe is perfect for those who want to add more vegetables to their diet or for those who are looking for a lighter and fresher meal. So, let's dive into the recipe and learn how to make zucchini pasta with lemon garlic shrimp.
Ingredients required
To make Zucchini Pasta with Lemon Garlic Shrimp, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
These simple ingredients come together to make a flavorful and healthy dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a dinner party.
MAKING ZUCCHINI PASTA WITH SHRIMP
Using a spiralizer, spiralize zucchini into noodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make long, thin strips of zucchini.
In a large pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they are pink and cooked through.
Add the zucchini noodles to the pan and toss them with the shrimp and garlic. Cook the zucchini noodles for 1-2 minutes until they are just tender.
Squeeze the lemon juice over the zucchini noodles and shrimp and sprinkle the lemon zest on top. Toss everything together to combine.
If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the zucchini noodles and shrimp.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious zucchini pasta with lemon garlic shrimp!
Additional tips
- Use a spiralizer to make the zucchini noodles. A spiralizer will create thin, even noodles that will cook evenly.
- Salt the zucchini noodles and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This will help draw out excess moisture and prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before cooking. This will help them get a nice sear and prevent them from steaming.
- Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to cook the shrimp. This will help prevent them from sticking to the pan.
- Don't overcook the shrimp. They should be cooked until just pink and opaque. Overcooking will cause them to become rubbery.
- Make the lemon garlic sauce ahead of time so that it's ready when the zucchini noodles and shrimp are done. This will ensure that everything is hot and ready to serve.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the pan with the shrimp and sauce just before serving. The noodles only need to cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This will add additional flavor and texture to the dish.
FAQs
Can I use pre-packaged zucchini noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-packaged zucchini noodles, but keep in mind that they may be more watery than freshly spiralized noodles.
How do I make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer?
You can use a vegetable peeler to make thin ribbons of zucchini or a julienne peeler to make thin matchstick-like noodles.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of zucchini noodles?
Yes, you can substitute any type of pasta you like for the zucchini noodles.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Can I omit the garlic in the lemon garlic sauce?
Yes, you can omit the garlic if you prefer a milder sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the dish to suit your taste.
Can I make the lemon garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of protein instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can use chicken, tofu, or scallops as a substitute for the shrimp.
ZUCCHINI PASTA WITH LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1.5 lb approx 30 raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon butter or ghee
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- ¼ cup white wine, or chicken broth
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and cut the ends of the zucchini. Using a spiralizer, make the zucchini pasta. Then, set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in one flat layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for one minute without stirring, so the bottom side gets a little crispy.
- Add the chopped garlic, then stir the shrimp for another minute or two to cook the other side. Use a large spoon or tongs to remove the shrimp to a plate.
- Add the butter, lemon juice and zest, red pepper flakes and white wine to the pan. Bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring.
- Stir in the parsley, then add the zucchini pasta and toss for 30 seconds to warm it up. Add the shrimp back to the pan and stir for another minute. Serve immediately.
LISA'S TIPS
- If you've read my post on How to Make and Cook Zucchini Noodles you know I'm not a fan of cooking zucchini noodles. They become limp and soggy very quickly. So all you want to do is heat up the zucchini pasta without thoroughly cooking. That keeps it crisp and al dente.
- The spiralizer I use in this recipe and all my veggie noodle recipes is my 3-Blade Paderno Spiralizer. But there's now a 6-Blade Paderno Spiralizer as well!
- I always get asked if zucchini pasta recipes can be frozen and reheated. Unfortunately, due to the fact that zucchini is 95% water, these are not the best recipes to freeze/reheat once made.
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