Paleo Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

Who doesn’t love shrimp scampi? It’s a timeless dish with buttery shrimp, garlic, and just the right kick of lemon. But what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness without the carb-heavy pasta? Enter zucchini noodles—or “zoodles.” This light, Paleo- and Whole30-friendly recipe is perfect for when you want comfort food that’s also good for you. It’s got all the flavors you love, but with a fresh, healthy twist. Think of it as the classic dish’s health-conscious cousin.

Now, let’s get cooking!

Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 4 people (but you can easily adjust for more or fewer servings). Pro tip? If you’re doubling the recipe, use a bigger skillet so the shrimp cook evenly!

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly, but experienced cooks will love how quick and satisfying it is.

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Spiralizer (or just grab pre-cut zucchini noodles at the store!)
• Large skillet
• Tongs (trust me, they make tossing zoodles so much easier!)
• Cutting board and knife
• Optional: a citrus juicer for that fresh lemon juice

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to pull this off:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ¼ cup ghee or grass-fed butter (use ghee for Whole30)
• ⅓ cup chicken bone broth
• 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice level)
• ½ tsp sea salt (plus extra for the zucchini)
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• ⅓ cup parsley, chopped
• Fresh lemon juice (1½ tbsp)
• 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
• Olive oil for sautéing

Substitution Options:

• No ghee? Go with olive oil or avocado oil.
• Want a different flavor? Use white wine instead of chicken broth.
• Zucchini not your thing? Swap it for yellow squash or spaghetti squash.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Zoodles
Spiralize the zucchini into noodles (or pull out those store-bought ones). Don’t skip salting them—it draws out the extra water so your zoodles don’t get soggy. Let them sit for about 10–15 minutes in a colander, then rinse and pat dry. In a rush? You can skip this step and just sauté the zoodles for a little longer to cook off some of the moisture.

Sauté the Garlic
Melt the ghee or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds (or until your kitchen smells amazing). Keep an eye on it—you want the garlic golden, not burned!

Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes. Pro tip: Scrape the bottom of the skillet as it cooks. Those browned bits? They’re flavor gold!

Cook the Shrimp
Spread the shrimp out in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them—they’ll turn rubbery. Once done, pull the skillet off the heat.

Zoodle Time
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in another pan and sauté the zoodles for about 2 minutes. They should still have a little crunch. Toss them into the shrimp mixture, add the lemon juice and parsley, and gently mix until everything’s coated in that luscious sauce.

Customization Ideas

Love to tweak recipes? Here are some fun ideas:

• Make it Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of ghee or butter.
• Add Some Spice: Crank up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Keto Twist: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish, or mix it into the sauce.
• Go Vegan: Swap the shrimp for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

How to Serve (and Store)

Serve immediately in shallow bowls. Want to impress your guests? Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge. Pair it with steamed broccoli or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Leftovers? Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Pro Tip: Keep the shrimp and zoodles separate to avoid sogginess. To reheat, use low heat on the stovetop. Microwaving? Not recommended—it’ll turn your zoodles to mush.

There you have it: a healthier spin on a classic dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking a special dinner, Paleo Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles is a dish you’ll want to make over and over.

Enjoy your zoodles, my friend!

Print