Zucchini Noodles With Pesto And Shrimp (25‑Minutes)

Short Description

A light and vibrant dish featuring spiralized zucchini noodles sautéed in pesto and topped with juicy, garlicky shrimp. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-carb and nutrient-rich with zucchini as the base
• Zesty pesto pairs beautifully with tender shrimp
• Quick to prepare—ready in about 25 minutes
• Versatile and easy to customize with optional add-ons

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts

Directions

1. Spiralize the Zucchini
   Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to make zucchini noodles. Lightly salt them and let rest for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
   If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry.
3. Cook the Shrimp
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Zucchini Noodles
   In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 1–2 minutes until just softened—avoid overcooking to retain texture.
5. Combine Ingredients
   Stir in the pesto, tossing noodles until evenly coated. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently combine.
6. Add Optional Toppings
   For added sweetness and texture, stir in halved cherry tomatoes. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts before serving.
7. Serve
   Divide noodles and shrimp among four plates. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings And Timing

• Serves: 4
• Prep Time: ~10 minutes (spiralizing zucchini and preparing shrimp)
• Cook Time: ~15 minutes
• Total Time: ~25 minutes

Variations

• Substitute pesto with sun‑dried tomato pesto or basil-lemon vinaigrette
• Use scallops or cubed chicken in place of shrimp
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies
• Use zoodles mixed with cooked pasta if preferred
• Stir in olives or artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flair

Storage/Reheating

• To Store: Keep zucchini noodles and shrimp in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add pesto before serving again.
• To Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent zucchini from becoming mushy.

FAQs

How do I prevent zucchini noodles from getting soggy?

Lightly salt them, let sit to drain liquid, then pat dry thoroughly before cooking. Avoid overcooking—they only need about 1–2 minutes in the skillet.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—fully thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

Is pesto mandatory?

No—feel free to swap in lemon‑garlic olive oil, sun‑dried tomato pesto, or a light vinaigrette of your choice.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare zucchini noodles and pesto separately. Cook shrimp before serving and assemble just before eating.

Are cherry tomatoes optional?

Yes—they add sweetness and color, but the dish is delicious without them.

How much protein per serving?

Approximately 20–25 g depending on shrimp size and portion.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free if your pesto is free of gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Not recommended—the texture of zucchini noodles degrades significantly upon freezing.

How do I toast pine nuts?

Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat, add pine nuts, and stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Can I add spice?

Sure—add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic to give the dish a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp is a fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-rich meal that comes together in just about 25 minutes. Combining tender shrimp, vibrant pesto, and crisp zucchini noodles makes it both delicious and light. Quick, customizable, and satisfying—this dish is ideal for busy nights or light lunches that don’t compromise on taste.

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