This Keto Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a fresh, flavorful alternative to traditional pasta dinners. Tender shrimp are seared in garlic butter and tossed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that coats every strand of zucchini. It’s an elegant, one-pan meal that feels indulgent while remaining light and strictly low-carb, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more formal evening.

About This Recipe

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a staple for anyone looking to enjoy the experience of a pasta dish without the high carb count. This recipe focuses on creating a rich, savory sauce that provides a satisfying contrast to the light and refreshing texture of the zucchini. By combining heavy cream and Parmesan with sautéed garlic, you get a classic Italian-style flavor profile that highlights the juicy shrimp while keeping the entire meal keto-friendly.

The focus here is on achieving a restaurant-quality result with simple, whole ingredients that provide a good balance of protein and healthy fats. Using zucchini as the base keeps the dish feeling light, while the butter and cream ensure it is filling enough to stand on its own as a complete dinner. It’s a practical and straightforward recipe that delivers bold flavors without the need for complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Technique & Tips The most important step in this recipe is managing the moisture in the zucchini to prevent the dish from becoming watery. Sauté the noodles quickly over medium-high heat for just two to three minutes so they stay “al dente” and retain their crunch. For the best sauce consistency, simmer the heavy cream and Parmesan until the cheese is fully melted and the liquid has reduced slightly before adding the shrimp back into the pan, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, creamy garlic sauce with juicy shrimp
Low-carb pasta alternative using zucchini noodles
High in protein, keto-friendly, and gluten-free
Quick 30-minute dinner, perfect for weeknights
Feels elegant enough for guests

What You’ll Need for This Keto Zucchini Noodles

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil (for zucchini noodles)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens.
Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat olive oil and lightly sauté zucchini noodles 2–3 minutes until just tender (don’t overcook).
Return shrimp to cream sauce, tossing gently to coat.
Serve shrimp and sauce over zucchini noodles. Garnish with parsley.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw and pat dry before cooking.
How do I keep zucchini noodles from getting soggy?
Cook them quickly over high heat, or salt them and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — swap cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Best eaten fresh, but you can prep shrimp and sauce ahead, then cook zoodles just before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Use chicken instead of shrimp.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad for a light meal.
Pair with roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Enjoy with keto garlic bread for a more filling dinner.

Print Pin