We love shrimp at our house and Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles (also known as Zoodles) is a delicious alternative to pasta. Since becoming prediabetic, I have scaled back on the carbs saving items like pasta and desserts for special occasions or my once (or twice) a week indulgences.
But I promise even those of your without diet restrictions will find this dish a nice addition to their home menu. Because it doesn’t matter how healthy it is, if it’s not delicious it’s not worth wasting the calories on.
When I create dishes at home, my first thought is would I be able to serve this in a restaurant? Would it impress my guests? And the answer to both those questions is yes.
This is a restaurant-quality dish that you can make in your home in less than 30 minutes at a fraction of the cost of eating out. That’s a win-win in my book.
What Ingredients do I need to make Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles?
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Shrimp and Zoodles al Pesto. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.
Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the up cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
What Spiralizer is the best to use?
There are a lot of good spiralizers on the market. I recommend the Spiralizer Brand available on Amazon.
How do I make Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles?
Start by sauteing the shrimp for the dish. Cook them till they are almost completely done. Then set aside until your ready for them.
I love mushrooms so I’ve included them in my Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle dish. If you’re not a fan feel free to leave them out. But in my restaurant days mushrooms found their way into many of my dishes.
First of all they’re delicious and a rich, low calorie source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Plus they’re an inexpensive way to add volume to the dish.
After sauteeing the mushrooms, add the zucchini noodles and garlic to the pan. This is where the tricky part comes in. You want to cook the zucchini noodles long enough so they’re not raw tasting, but not overcook them so they become mushy.
This is definitely not a prepare ahead dish, you need to serve this dish as soon as the zucchini noodles are cooked!
Add the pesto, tomatoes and seasonings to the pan. Continue cooking for about a minute to blend it all together. This dish can be heavily seasoned, the zucchini and mushrooms will be pretty flat on their own. The pesto adds great flavor to the dish and you can add as much or as little as you like.
*The tomatoes don’t have to be hot.
Here are three of my Pesto Recipes
The last step is adding the shrimp to the dish and getting everything blended together and hot.
Serve the Shrimp and Zoodles with grated Romano cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Chef Dennis Tip:
If you have veggie-resistant people in your household, try mixing the zucchini noodles with spaghetti to get them use to eating the zoodles.
More Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love!
- Garlic Shrimp with Supergreens and Pasta
- Shrimp Etouffee
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo
- Shrimp and Cheesy Grits
- Lemon Basil Shrimp with Supergreens
Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles al Pesto
Equipment
- spiralizer
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini
- 2 large yellow squash
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes sliced in half or left whole
- 2 tbsp pesto more or less to your tastes
- 2 tbsp grated Romano cheese more or less depending upon your tastes
- ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper more or less depending upon your tastes
Instructions
- Prepare or buy zucchini noodles
- Saute the shrimp untill they are almost completely done. Then set aside until your ready for them.
- Saute the mushrooms in olive oil over medium high heat until they are full cooked
- Add the zucchini noodles and garlic to the pan. This is where the tricky part comes in. You want to cook the zucchini noodles long enough so they’re not raw tasting, but not overcook them so they become mushy.
- Add the pesto, tomatoes and seasonings to the pan. Continue cooking for about a minute to blend it all together. This dish can be heavily seasoned, the zucchini and mushrooms will be pretty flat on their own. The pesto adds great flavor to the dish and you can add as much or as little as you like.
- Add the shrimp to the pan, blending the mixture and making sure the shrimp are hot and fully cooked.
- Serve the Shrimp and Zoodles with grated Romano cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Notes
Nutrition
Kristina
I needed an idea for quick and easy dinner tonight..this is it!
Scarlett Brooklyn
I haven’t tried zucchini for noodles, sounds really great.
Jamie
This is going to be great for the summer!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
OMG, this is tonight’s dinner! It’s only 8 am but I’m already salivating:))
Richelle Escat
Nice dish! It looks so satisfying! It might be one of my favorite comfort foods.
Marysa
I haven’t made zoodles in a while. This sounds like a delicious combination of flavors.
Brianna
Pesto and zoodles are a great combo, perfect summer dinner!
Loreto and Nicoletta
Nice dish. We made a doodle carbonara that was so delicious. The zucchini is a great substitute for regular pasta. I like that you put the mushrooms in. Love mushrooms. This us definitely a beautifully presented delicious dish!❤️😛👌👍
Inas
Looks like a simple yet delicious dish!
Terri Steffes
This looks delicious and I would definitely order this at a restaurant. I love shrimp that is well cooked.
Amy
Delicious! Really enjoyed this meal.
Heather D
This looks so delicious! I have been using shirataki noodles but I’m going to try this soon!
Tasheena
I’ve actually never had this at an actual restaurant. This looks delicious though.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
I do love zucchini noodles. I haven’t had them in ages!!! I would love to see if I could recreate this at home.
Tara Pittman
This looks so delicious. What a great way to use zucchini from my garden.
Sarah Bailey
I would love to be able to cook restaurant style at home – how absolutely amazing does this sound as well. Definitely a recipe to try.
Amber Myers
My kids love pasta and shrimp, so I bet this will be a winner here. It looks fantastic!
Petro
Such a great idea, can’t wait to give your recipe a try!
Heather
Your recipes always make my mouth water. We’ve been eating a lot of zucchini noodles instead of pasta lately. Can’t wait to try this!
Freya
This was a really delicious and simple to put together dish!
Jeri
Wow! This looks delicious! I will definitely be making this when the zucchini is ready in my garden!