Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp Recipe for Dinner

zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp recipe for dinner

Looking for a healthy dinner that’s low-carb and gluten-free? Try zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp. Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a great pasta substitute. They go well with homemade basil pesto and shrimp¹.

This dish is tasty and simple to make, perfect for weeknights. A serving has 297 calories, 12g of carbs, 12g of fat, and 39g of protein¹. It’s much healthier than a pesto shrimp pasta dish from a restaurant, which can have over 750 calories¹.

The homemade pesto is key. It’s made with basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper¹. This pesto is used in a way that keeps the dish light. One serving has 217 calories, 9g of carbs, 3g of protein, and 19g of fat².

Key Takeaways

• Zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp is a healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free dinner option.
• This dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Homemade pesto is made with fresh ingredients and used in moderation to keep the dish light.
• One serving provides a balanced mix of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and protein.
• Zucchini noodles are a nutritious alternative to traditional pasta and pair well with pesto and shrimp.

The Perfect Healthy and Flavorful Dinner Solution

Zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp is a quick and healthy dinner solution. It’s great for those on a low-carb, keto, or healthy diet. This recipe is fast to make and tastes amazing, thanks to homemade basil pesto³.

This zucchini pasta recipe is very versatile. You can find 22 top-rated zucchini noodles recipes online. Enjoy zoodles in many ways, like sautéed, soupy, as a salad, or with shrimp, chicken, or ground beef⁴. It’s a tasty low-carb alternative that fits gluten-free or paleo diets⁴.

The recipe serves about four people and has 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s a filling and nutritious meal³. Plus, it costs only $2.98 per serving, saving you up to $2.98 compared to other pasta options³.

For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season ingredients. When making homemade pesto, add a pinch of salt each time you add an ingredient to the skillet. This ensures even seasoning³. Use 6-8 tablespoons of homemade spinach or arugula pesto³.

Zucchini noodles are a quick and adaptable, healthier alternative to pasta. They’re perfect for classic dishes like carbonara and primavera⁴. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy dinner, try this zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a tasty and healthy zucchini noodle dish with pesto and shrimp, you need a few key ingredients. These ingredients work together to create a meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

Zucchini

The main ingredient is zucchini, a low-carb, nutrient-rich alternative to pasta. You’ll need 2 to 3 large zucchinis for this recipe⁵. Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are lower in calories and carbs than regular pasta. This makes them great for those watching their calorie intake or following a low-carb diet⁶.

Shrimp

Shrimp adds a delicious seafood flavor and extra protein to the dish. You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined⁷. Choose large shrimp for better taste and appearance. Soaking them in salt water for 15–30 minutes can make them more moist and tender⁶.

Pesto Sauce

Pesto sauce brings a vibrant, herbaceous flavor to the dish. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of pesto sauce, which can be homemade or store-bought⁷. If you have dietary restrictions, look for dairy-free or Whole30-compliant pesto options.

Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes add freshness and color to the dish. You’ll need about 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes⁵. These tomatoes not only look great but also add to the dish’s nutritional value.

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory flavor to the dish. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for garnish. For a stronger flavor, try using Romano cheese, which is sharper and saltier than Parmesan⁵.

How to Make Zucchini Noodles

Making zucchini noodles, or zoodles, is a simple and healthy way to enjoy a low-carb pasta alternative. With just a few tools and techniques, you can create delicious spiralized zucchini noodles. These are perfect for a variety of dishes.

Using a Spiralizer

The easiest and quickest way to make zucchini noodles is by using a spiralizer. This handy kitchen tool turns zucchini into long, thin, spaghetti-like strands in just a few minutes. To use a spiralizer, simply trim the ends of the zucchini, secure it in the spiralizer, and turn the handle to create beautiful noodles.

When spiralizing zucchini, keep a few tips in mind. Choose firm, straight zucchini for the best results. Soft or curved zucchini can be more difficult to spiralize and may result in uneven noodles. Also, don’t overcrowd the spiralizer. If you try to spiralize too much zucchini at once, the noodles may become mushy or break apart.

Alternatives to a Spiralizer

If you don’t have a spiralizer, there are still several ways to make zucchini noodles. One option is to use a mandolin slicer to create thin, flat zucchini ribbons. Simply adjust the mandoline to the desired thickness and carefully slide the zucchini across the blade.

Another alternative is to use a vegetable peeler to create long, thin zucchini strips. While this method is more time-consuming than using a spiralizer or mandoline, it’s a great option if you don’t have any special equipment. Simply hold the zucchini vertically and carefully peel from top to bottom, rotating the zucchini as you go.

No matter which method you choose, making zucchini noodles is a quick and easy way to add more vegetables to your diet. With a little practice and experimentation, you’ll be creating perfect zoodles in no time! The cooking time for this recipe is 30 minutes⁸, and it serves 2 people⁸.

Cooking the Shrimp

When cooking shrimp for zucchini noodles, it’s important to sauté and season them right. Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This lets the flavors mix well.

For the best taste, sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque⁹. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy. After cooking, take the shrimp out of the pan and set them aside.

To make your sautéed shrimp even tastier, add spices like garlic powder or paprika. This recipe uses specific amounts of ingredients for a delicious plant-based pesto⁹.

This dish serves 4 people and cooks in just 15 minutes, making it quick and easy¹⁰. Each serving has 325 calories, 9g carbs, 29g protein, 18g fat, and more¹⁰. It also has lots of vitamins and minerals¹⁰.

This zucchini noodle recipe with sautéed shrimp gets a 5-star rating from many⁹¹¹. Each serving has 341 calories, 0.7g sugar, and more¹¹.

Assembling the Dish

Now that you have your zucchini noodles and cooked shrimp ready, it’s time to put everything together. This zucchini noodle dish is easy to assemble and will be ready in no time¹².

Combining Zucchini Noodles and Pesto

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and season with salt and pepper. Sauté the zoodles for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch¹³.

Be careful not to overcook them, as zucchini is mostly liquid and can quickly become mushy¹³.

Once the zucchini noodles are cooked, add the homemade or store-bought pesto sauce to the skillet. The recipe makes double the pesto needed, so you can save some for later or freeze it¹³. Gently toss the noodles with the pesto until they are evenly coated, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Adding the Shrimp and Tomatoes

With the zucchini noodles and pesto combined, it’s time to add the star protein: shrimp. The recipe calls for about 1.5 lbs. of raw shrimp, which should be peeled and developed before cooking¹⁴. Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the pesto zoodles, and gently toss to distribute them evenly throughout the dish.

To add a burst of freshness and color, halve some cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet. The tomatoes will soften slightly as they warm up, releasing their sweet juices and complementing the garlic and basil flavors in the pesto¹².

Give the entire dish a final toss to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and heated through. This zucchini noodle dish with pesto and shrimp is not only delicious but also incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights¹². The recipe emphasizes the fast cooking time, with the shrimp taking under 5 minutes and the entire meal coming together in just 10 minutes if you use pre-made pesto¹².

Serve your pesto zoodles with shrimp immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal. This low-carb, keto-friendly meal serves four people, with each serving containing approximately 322 calories¹³. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful dinner!

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp Recipe for Dinner

This zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp recipe is a tasty, low-carb dinner option. It’s full of flavor and nutrients. You can make this healthy shrimp and zoodle recipe in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal⁹.

To make this dish, you’ll need a few ingredients. You’ll need kale, spinach, mixed basil and/or parsley, almonds, olive oil, water, salt, garlic, and lemon for the pesto. For the noodles and shrimp, you’ll need butter or oil, shrimp (1 lb.), chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and zucchini⁹. This recipe makes 4 servings, with each serving having about 325 calories, 9g of carbs, 29g of protein, and 18g of fat¹⁰.

Start by making the pesto sauce. Blend the kale, spinach, herbs, almonds, olive oil, water, salt, garlic, and lemon until smooth. Then, spiralize the zucchini into noodles and set them aside. In a large skillet, sauté the shrimp with butter or oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until they’re cooked through, which takes about 5-7 minutes⁹.

Combine the zucchini noodles with the pesto sauce in a large bowl, tossing gently to coat evenly. Divide the noodles among 4 plates and top with the cooked shrimp. Each serving of this zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp recipe contains:

¹¹

This low-carb dinner recipe has received great reviews, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews⁹. People love it for its delicious flavors and easy preparation. It’s a favorite among health-conscious individuals and families.

This zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp recipe is a game-changer! It’s so flavorful and satisfying, I don’t even miss the traditional pasta.

Try this healthy shrimp and zoodle recipe for your next dinner. It’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Variations and Substitutions

This zucchini noodle recipe with pesto and shrimp is very flexible. It can be changed to fit your taste and diet needs. It’s quick, ready in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights¹⁵.

Protein Options

Shrimp is the main protein in this recipe, cooking in just 2-3 minutes¹⁵. But you can swap it for chicken, scallops, or salmon for a new twist. Cooking times will change based on the protein you pick¹⁵.

Pesto Alternatives

The pesto sauce is a key part of the dish, made with white wine¹⁵. But you can try other pestos like sun-dried tomato or roasted red pepper. You could also use olive tapenade or creamy avocado sauce.

Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Adaptations

Zucchini noodles are great for low-carb or gluten-free diets. One serving has only 7g of carbs and 2g of fiber¹⁶. You can also try other veggie noodles like spaghetti squash or butternut squash.

This recipe serves 4, with each serving about 340 calories¹⁷. You can add cherry tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for more flavor and nutrition¹⁵.

Try different variations and substitutions to make a zucchini noodle dish that you’ll love.

Benefits of Choosing Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a great choice for a healthy meal. They are low in calories and full of nutrients. This makes them perfect for anyone wanting to eat well.

Zoodles have just 19 calories per cup, which is very low. This is compared to broccoli or Brussels sprouts. Regular spaghetti has 200 calories, and traditional pasta has 221 calories per cup¹⁸. Choosing zoodles helps you eat fewer calories and carbs while getting more nutrients¹⁹.

Nutrient-Dense and Low in Calories

Zucchini noodles are not only low in calories but also full of good stuff. They have 1.5 grams of protein, 3.5 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of sugar per cup¹⁸. They also have 20 milligrams of vitamin C, which is good for antioxidants and iron¹⁸. Plus, they have 22 mg of Vitamin C, while regular pasta has none¹⁹.

Zoodles are 95% water, which helps keep you hydrated and is low in calories¹⁸. They have only 0.36 grams of fat per cup, making them a good choice for those watching their fat intake¹⁸. The calcium in zucchini is good for bones and muscles¹⁸. Four cups of zucchini noodles give you 1,180 milligrams of potassium, which is about 25% of what you need daily¹⁸.

Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Friendly

Zucchini noodles are great for those on gluten-free or low-carb diets. They are naturally gluten-free, safe for those with gluten issues. They have only 4g of carbs, compared to 43g in regular pasta¹⁹. They also have 1 g of dietary fiber, while traditional pasta has 2.5g¹⁹. This makes them a good choice for those watching their carb intake.

Zucchini noodles are also very versatile. You can spiralize, julienne, or ribbon them, making them easy to use in many recipes¹⁸. There are even pre-cut options available, which is great for those short on time or without the right tools¹⁸.

Adding zucchini noodles to your meals is a simple way to get more nutrients while eating less. They are a great choice for a healthy and tasty alternative to regular pasta.

Conclusion

Zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp is a tasty and healthy dinner choice. It’s low in carbs and gluten-free, great for those watching their carb intake²⁰. It’s also full of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber²⁰.

The pesto sauce, made with fresh basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, adds a rich flavor²⁰²¹. This makes the dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

This quick meal can be made even better by adding cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or shrimp²⁰. It’s perfect for two people, and leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days²⁰²¹.

Whether you buy pesto or make it yourself²¹, this dish suits many diets. You can even make it nut-free or vegan²⁰. Adding other vegetable noodles like carrot, cucumber, or sweet potato makes it even healthier²⁰.

Zucchini noodles with pesto and shrimp are easy to make and full of flavor. It’s a great choice for a healthy and satisfying dinner.