Stovetop Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and flavorful shrimp sautéed in garlic lemon butter served over tender zucchini noodles for a low-carb dinner. This seafood (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  6. Step 6: Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss everything together to coat in the sauce, and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stovetop Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stovetop Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Stovetop Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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