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- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving To make Minute Shrimp Scampi Zucchini Noodles, you need fresh, simple ingredients. Start with two medium zucchinis. Spiralize them to create noodle-like shapes. This step adds a fun twist to your meal. You will also need one pound of medium shrimp. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for easier cooking. Fresh shrimp make this dish shine. Next, gather four tablespoons of unsalted butter. This adds rich flavor and helps sauté the garlic. Four cloves of minced garlic bring a strong, tasty punch. Garlic is a key part of scampi. For heat, use one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can adjust this based on your spice preference. One lemon is essential. You’ll use both the juice and zest. The lemon brightens the dish and balances flavors. Add one-fourth cup of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. It also enhances the taste. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. These basic seasonings bring out the best in each ingredient. Optionally, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving. It adds a creamy, salty finish that many enjoy. With these ingredients, you are ready to make a delicious, quick meal! Spiralizing Zucchini Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchinis into noodles. Choose medium zucchinis for the best texture. Hold the zucchini firmly and twist it in the spiralizer. You will see long, thin noodles form quickly. This method makes the dish light and fun. Setting Aside Prepared Noodles Once spiralized, set the zucchini noodles aside. Place them in a bowl and cover them to keep them fresh. You want them ready for mixing later. This step lets the noodles maintain their crunch. Melting Butter and Sautéing Garlic In a large skillet, melt four tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add four minced garlic cloves and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for about one minute. The kitchen will smell amazing! Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Cooking Shrimp Properly Next, add one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for two to three minutes on one side. They will turn pink when ready. Flip them over and squeeze half a lemon over them. Cook for another two minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. Incorporating Zucchini Now, it is time to add the zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss them gently with the cooked shrimp. Cook everything together for about two minutes. This step helps the flavors blend beautifully. The noodles should be just tender at this point. Adding Lemon and Parsley Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the zest of one lemon and a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. This adds brightness and freshness to your meal. - Adjusting Red Pepper Flakes: Start with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you like more heat, add more. If you want less spice, use half. This helps you find your perfect balance. - Balancing Lemon Juice: Lemon adds brightness. I squeeze half a lemon over the shrimp while cooking. Taste it! If it needs more tang, add the other half. Zest the lemon for added flavor too. - Avoiding Overcooked Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Watch closely! Cook them just until they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp are tough and chewy. - Perfecting Zucchini Texture: Zucchini noodles cook fast. Toss them in with the shrimp for just 2 minutes. This keeps them firm and bright, not mushy. - Garnishing Ideas: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish. Grate some Parmesan cheese on top for a creamy touch. Add extra lemon zest for a pop of flavor. - Pairing with Sides: Serve with a crisp salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the scampi well and add to your meal experience. {{image_2}} You can switch the shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken works well in this dish. Use 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook it in the same way as the shrimp. Tofu is a great choice too. Use firm tofu and press it to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. You can also try other seafood. Scallops or mussels can give a different taste. Just cook them the same way as the shrimp. Adjust the cooking time as needed. Make sure they are fully cooked for safety. If you want a different base, try spaghetti squash. It has a mild flavor and a fun texture. Roast the squash, then scrape it out with a fork. It makes a great noodle substitute. Other vegetable noodles work, too. Carrot noodles or sweet potato noodles add color and taste. You can buy them pre-made or spiralize your own. Just remember to adjust cooking time for different noodles. You can boost your dish with extra veggies. Try adding cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers. They add color and nutrition. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. Herbs and spices can enhance the flavor. Basil and oregano work well with this dish. You can also add more red pepper flakes for heat. Just sprinkle them in as you cook, tasting as you go. Refrigerating Shrimp Scampi Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays fresh for up to three days. The flavors will blend nicely as it chills. However, keep the zucchini noodles separate if you can. This helps them stay firm. Freezing Tips You can freeze shrimp scampi too. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will last for about two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. It’s best to reheat it on the stove for even heating. Best Methods for Reheating The stove is the best way to reheat shrimp scampi. Heat a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. This usually takes about five to seven minutes. Avoiding Soggy Noodles To avoid soggy noodles, don't microwave them if you can help it. If you must, only heat for a short time. Add a bit of olive oil to help keep the noodles firm. Stirring often helps too. Soggy noodles can ruin the meal, so take care! You can serve many tasty sides with this dish. Here are some great options: - Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs well with the shrimp. - Caesar Salad: Crisp greens with a light dressing add freshness. - Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli complements the flavors nicely. - Roasted Asparagus: This brings a nutty taste that mixes well. - Couscous or Quinoa: These grains can soak up the sauce and add texture. These sides give you a balanced meal and enhance the flavors of the main dish. Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. Here are some tips for meal prep: - Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize the zucchini a day before and store them in water in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. - Shrimp: You can clean and season the shrimp a few hours ahead. Just keep them in the fridge until you cook. - Sauce Ingredients: Prep your garlic, lemon zest, and parsley earlier and store them in airtight containers. When you are ready to eat, just cook as directed. This saves time on busy days. Fresh shrimp are key for great flavor. Here’s how to buy and store them: - Buying Shrimp: - Look for Clear Eyes: Fresh shrimp have clear and bright eyes. - Check the Shell: It should be firm and clean, not slimy. - Smell Test: Fresh shrimp smell like the ocean, not fishy. - Storing Shrimp: - Refrigerate: Store shrimp in the coldest part of your fridge. Use them within 1-2 days. - Freeze for Longer Storage: If you won’t use them soon, freeze shrimp in a single layer. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that you have the freshest shrimp for your dish. This blog post covered how to make shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips for the best flavor and texture. You can also customize this dish with different proteins and vegetables. Leftovers are easy to store and reheat. Remember, a little care goes a long way in cooking! Feel free to experiment and enjoy your own tasty creations. Keep it fun and tasty in the kitchen!

Minute Shrimp Scampi Zucchini Noodles

Whip up a delicious Minute Shrimp Scampi Zucchini Noodles in just 15 minutes! This quick and flavorful dish combines tender shrimp, fresh zucchini noodles, and zesty lemon for a healthy twist on pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to follow and bursting with flavor. Click through to discover how to create this mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and brighten your dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing your zucchinis. Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles and set them aside.

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

      Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink.

        Flip the shrimp over and squeeze half of the lemon juice over them, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fully cooked.

          Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently with the shrimp and cooking for another 2 minutes until the noodles are just tender.

            Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

              Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if using.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in shallow bowls drizzled with any remaining sauce from the skillet and top with extra parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh finish.