Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of guilt-free, mouthwatering goodness that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy. This Parmesan Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodles recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner routine, offering a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, garlicky flavors, and light zucchini noodles that will make you forget all about traditional pasta. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply craving a quick, restaurant-quality meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, this dish is your ultimate culinary escape!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Zucchini, spiralized
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini noodles by spiralizing fresh zucchini, ensuring uniform thin strands. Pat the zucchini noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot but not smoking.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through, with a slight golden color.
- Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the prepared zucchini noodles. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, tossing gently to prevent overcooking. The goal is to warm them slightly without making them mushy.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and toss everything together quickly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, ensuring the zucchini noodles remain al dente and the shrimp are tender and flavorful.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always pat your shrimp and zucchini noodles completely dry before cooking. This ensures perfect searing and prevents watery, soggy results.
- High Heat, Quick Cooking: Use medium-high heat and cook shrimp quickly to maintain their tender, juicy texture. Overcooking will make them rubbery.
- Garlic Timing is Crucial: Add minced garlic just before the shrimp and watch carefully to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh zucchini and spiralize just before cooking to maintain the best texture and flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese Trick: Add cheese off the heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy coating.
- Garnish Fresh: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.Pro Tip: For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes when serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 275kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
