Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles is like a little weeknight magic trick, isn’t it? You’ve got that craving for a rich Italian dish but, let’s face it, you also want to fit in your jeans on Monday. Traditional pasta? Uh, nope. Then you see those sad, lonely zucchinis in your fridge and think, “WAIT…I could do something wild.” This recipe saves dinnertime… and, I promise, you won’t feel even the tiniest bit deprived.
For anyone fiddling with low-carb or keto life (guilty as charged), Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles flips the usual script. Gone is the heavy feeling you get after real pasta. Instead, there’s zippy citrus, buttery shrimp, and noodles that are honestly fresher than they’ve got any right to be. Sometimes I make this because the clean-up takes no time, and the flavors punch way, way above their weight. If you’re anxious about zoodles getting mushy, I’ve totally got you. Let’s dig in and make it crazy simple.
Recipe Customizations
Let’s talk swaps, additions, or whatever you wanna call ’em. Not everyone’s got the same taste buds, right? I’ve found that Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles is kind of like a choose-your-own-adventure dinner.
Some nights, I go heavy with garlic (like, vampire-repellent levels). Some nights, I toss in crushed red pepper if I’m feeling spicy. Want it creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream at the end. My cousin tried it with spiralized yellow squash instead of zucchini, and you know what? Darn delicious. If shrimp’s not your thing, no hard feelings—scallops, chunks of firm white fish, even chicken bites do the trick.
Add a heap of fresh parsley—or basil, if you’re into that sort of thing. You can even sprinkle in some grated parmesan if you don’t mind a little dairy. Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles can be jazzed up or down, making everyone at the table happy (unless you hate shrimp, then…well, I got nothing). Flex this dish how you want.
How to Make Keto Shrimp Scampi
Alright, here’s what I don’t do: spend forever chopping stuff or dirtying every pan. You need:
- Shrimp (peeled, cleaned—don’t stress, frozen works if that’s what’s on hand)
- Zucchini (you’ll spiralize this… unless you grab pre-spiralized, which, honestly, no shame at all)
- Garlic (lots, or a little if you’ve got a meeting later)
- Butter and olive oil (for that goooood buttery sauce)
- Lemon (juice it fresh, trust me)
- Salt, pepper, and maybe some red pepper flakes
- Fresh herbs for a little drama
Here’s the quick and dirty: Toss shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat up butter and oil in a big ol’ skillet. Add garlic till it smells like a trattoria in your kitchen, then shrimp goes in. Cook them fast—pink, about two minutes per side. Squeeze in lemon juice. Pull shrimp out (just for a sec, don’t worry).
Throw zoodles in that pan—like magic, they soak up the flavors. Not too long: just to soften them up. Toss shrimp back in, swirl everything together, add herbs, and taste for seasoning. That’s it. Tongs required.
Recipe Tips
Wanna keep those zoodles from turning soggy? Here’s the secret: don’t overcook. Zucchini is like a sponge. I always wait till the absolute last minute to add them.
Pat your shrimp dry before they hit the pan. Helps them get a little sear—not just steam themselves into mush. Get your skillet hot! No one likes gummy seafood. And if it starts looking dry, splash in extra olive oil, don’t be shy.
Can’t spiralize? No biggie. Use a vegetable peeler or, full honesty, just slice the zucchini into thin strips. Still tastes great. Leftovers? These keep okay, but the zoodles get softer as they sit. I love using them in a cold zoodle salad for lunch the next day. Real talk: they rarely last that long in my house.
“I tried your Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles last weekend for my picky family and everybody—even my carb-loving teenage son—asked for seconds. Fast, easy, and made me feel like a chef in my own kitchen!” – Marissa, Nashville
More Shrimp Recipes
If Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles leaves you dreaming up more shrimp ideas, I’m right there with you. Sometimes I get carried away and go on a shrimp kick that lasts for days.
Try a simple shrimp stir fry (skip the sugar, sneak in all your favorite veggies for color). Or, make shrimp lettuce wraps—put them right in crunchy lettuce cups, splash with a squeeze of lime, and maybe a dab of sriracha. Seafood soups are clutch, too. Who knew one bag of shrimp could transport you to so many different dinners? It never gets boring, honestly. Okay, maybe after a week. But trust me, variety lives in that freezer bag.
More Zoodles recipes for you
Hey, if Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles has you hooked on the zoodle bandwagon, you’ve got options. I sometimes make zoodles tossed in pesto and a mountain of cherry tomatoes—bursting flavor with very little effort. Then there’s creamy Alfredo zoodles (my secret—ricotta stirred in at the end) or even zoodles in classic meat sauce. Zucchini noodles really absorb any vibe you throw at them.
Don’t own a spiralizer? You can still join the zoodle club. I used to use a plain vegetable peeler and pretend I lived in a fancy food magazine. Tastes legit. Zoodles are legit any way you slice them.
Common Questions
Do I have to use fresh shrimp for Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles?
Nope! Frozen shrimp are just fine. Just thaw and dry them before cooking.
How do I keep zucchini noodles from getting soggy?
Super quick cook. Two or three minutes in a hot skillet. Drain extra liquid if needed.
Can I add cheese without messing up my keto points?
You bet. A sprinkle of parmesan or asiago is 100% welcome.
Any tips for leftovers?
Eat them cold as a zoodle salad or gently reheat. Don’t microwave too long, or you’ll get mush.
Are there other veggies I can use instead of zoodles?
For sure. Try spiralized yellow squash or even shirataki noodles for keto-friendly swaps.
Your Next Go-To Weeknight Dinner
So, Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles might not grant you magical powers, but it’ll sure make dinner simple—and downright craveable. You can whip it up in no time, switch it up however your mood hits, and you’ll skip the carb crash entirely. If you’re craving more inspiration, the versions over at The Roasted Root and WellPlated are stellar, too. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give it a spin tonight and see why it’s become my not-so-secret favorite for any day of the week. 
Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and cleaned Frozen shrimp works well too.
- 2 medium zucchini Spiralized or sliced into thin strips.
- 4 cloves garlic Can adjust according to taste.
- 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium lemon Juice it fresh.
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to taste crushed red pepper flakes Optional, for spice.
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or basil) For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
- Toss shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until pink.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet temporarily.
- Add zoodles to the same pan and cook just until they start to soften.
- Return shrimp to the pan, combine, and toss everything together.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and adjust seasoning as needed.
