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Easy One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

one-pan lemon butter shrimp - featured image

A quick and healthy one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp in a garlic lemon butter sauce served over fresh zucchini noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is light, flavorful, and low-carb.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined medium shrimp (wild-caught if possible)
  • 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles (about 4 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Using a spiralizer, make noodles from the zucchinis. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and bubbling, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  5. Add olive oil and the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Toss in the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
  6. Return the shrimp to the pan. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to coat everything in the lemon butter sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top just before serving and toss lightly to melt the cheese.

Notes

Salting and resting zucchini noodles before cooking helps prevent sogginess. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter shrimp, zucchini noodles, one-pan meal, low-carb dinner, quick shrimp recipe, healthy dinner, garlic butter shrimp