Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp (25-Minutes)
Zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp is a quick, healthy, and delicious Italian-inspired recipe. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish combines tender shrimp, flavorful pesto, and light zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners!
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis spiralized
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ cup pesto store-bought or homemade
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ons:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 tbsp pine nuts toasted
Instructions
Preparation:
- Spiralize the zucchini:
- Use a spiralizer to create long, thin zucchini noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a julienne peeler or buy pre-spiralized zucchini.
- Lightly salt the noodles and let them sit for 10 minutes to remove excess water. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Prepare the shrimp:
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry with a paper towel.
Cooking:
- Cook the shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the zucchini noodles:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add the pesto to the skillet with the zucchini noodles and toss until evenly coated.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and mix gently to combine.
Optional Steps:
- Add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts on top before serving.
Serving:
- Divide the zucchini noodles and shrimp evenly among four plates.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!