For busy weeknights, Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp One Skillet Dinner is fast, delicious, and so much better than takeout. We spiced this zucchini noodle recipe up with Peri Peri sauce for some added spicy heat.
We all need fast and easy meals we can get on the table, especially on busy weeknights. Takeout is so expensive, and most of the time we are totally disappointed with the quality and taste of the food. Don’t get me wrong, we do get takeout now and again (like when I want a nice variety of sushi), but for the most part, we ALWAYS cook at home.
Zucchini pasta is so fun to make. This easy shrimp and zucchini noodles dinner comes together in a few minutes. I always have shrimp in the freezer. They are great to thaw in a hurry. Heat a wok (or any pan), sauté your ingredients, and in minutes dinner is on the table. It’s a great way to clean out any extra veggies kicking around in the fridge.
I am SUCH a carb lover, there is not a pasta, bread, potato or rice dish this girl won’t eat. Unfortunately, we are not meant to consume that many carbs (sad but true).
Have you eaten zucchini noodles or “zoodles”? They are so much fun. Gluten free, healthy and easy on the carbs.
Did you know zucchini is also called courgette? I remember Jamie Oliver referring to it that way and I had no clue what he was talking about. Looked like a zucchini to me.
When growing season is here, you REALLY need lots of zucchini recipes to use up the haul. They seem to grow crazy fast. One day they are small, and you go back in a couple of days to the garden (well I don’t since I’m not a gardener), and that little summer squash is now the size of a bowling pin.
Once hubby brought home this MASSIVE zucchini a friend gave him. I grated it, put it in bags and froze it. Did you know frozen zucchini works great in zucchini muffins? The best part is that you don’t have to blanch it, just grate and freeze.
Yes, you can bake lots of wonderful things with zucchini, but then we are back to the carb issue. Last year I bought a *spiralizer to make noodles from zucchini. My very first experiment was Greek Zoodle Salad. OMG, this has now become one of our favourite summer salads.
Once you get started making zucchini pasta, you will be addicted. One skillet dinners are so easy to make. I know your family would love Mexican zucchini any night of the week.
Besides things like this low carb shrimp recipe, zucchini noodles make a great garnish, like in zucchini gazpacho. If you get the tri-blade spiralizer as I did, you can make refrigerator zucchini pickles too.
HOW TO MAKE ZUCCHINI NOODLES
Do you eat zucchini noodles (or any veggie noodle)? Not only are they healthy, they really are fun and easy to do. You can make them ahead of time (like 2-3 days) and have them ready and in the fridge. Perfect for throwing together this healthy zucchini recipe for dinner.
There are several ways to make your noddles:
- spiralizer
- julienne peeler
- mandoline
- hand-held spiralizer
My preferred method is with a spiralizer. I have used the mandolin, and it did work well. Hubby always has a fit when I bring this out. He is scared I am going to slice off part of my finger. Can you tell we watch LOTS of cooking shows? So, since he is so paranoid, it gave me a GREAT reason to get a new kitchen gadget. WIN for me (and hubby is more relaxed).
BEST WAY TO COOK & EAT HEALTHY ZUCCHINI NOODLES
These noodles (or you can make ribbons too) are REALLY easy to work with.
They can be:
- sautéed (like in this recipe)
- simmered (like in broth for soup)
- raw (like in salads)
- and even microwaved or baked
This recipe uses the sauté method. With the zucchini noodles and shrimp, I added leeks, red peppers, spinach, and Peri Peri sauce. YOU can make this with whatever ingredients YOU like. Give it a try and see. Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp One Skillet Dinner takes the stress out of making dinner.
What is your favourite way to enjoy delicious zucchini noodles?
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Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp One Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
- 5 ounces leeks (thinly sliced)
- 8 ounces red pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 pound zucchini (made into noodles)
- 1 pound shrimp (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 4 ounces spinach
- 1/4 cup Peri Peri sauce
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
Instructions
- Prepare your veggies and set aside. Get your shrimp (cleaned or thawed) and ready to cook. Set aside.**NOTE** Zucchini noodles can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days in a ziplock bag.
- Heat a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and heat.
- Add the sliced leeks. Cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add sliced red peppers. Cook for approximately 2 minutes.
- Add Peri Peri sauce, and mix to combine.
- Add shrimp and cook approximately 2 minutes.
- Add zucchini noodles and cook approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat.
- ENJOY!!
Nutrition Information
Notes
Krissy Allori
April 24, 2018 at 9:09 AMOne can never have to many healthy and easy recipes! Looks great!
Homemade & Yummy
April 24, 2018 at 2:14 PMNo you can NEVER have too many great recipes!!
Anne
April 23, 2018 at 8:30 PMMmmmi this looks good. I love that it’s a one pan meal
Homemade & Yummy
April 24, 2018 at 2:16 PMYes one pan meals are great, especially for busy weekdays/nights.
Julie
April 23, 2018 at 9:56 AMThis looks so good! Question: is there a reason you keep the tails on while cooking the shrimp and serve them tails on? Does it add to the flavor? I feel like it would be much easier to eat a bite with the tails removed, but maybe it’s important to keep them on.
Homemade & Yummy
April 23, 2018 at 10:11 AMNo there is not a particular reason, feel free to remove them. That is how they are in the bag, and I usually eat shrimp with my fingers. So picking them up with the tails is just easier for us.
Kat Jeter
April 23, 2018 at 9:41 AMYum!! I love zoodles and shrimp because they are so quick and easy to make. I’ve been eating low carb for a few years now and I am looking forward to adding this recipe to my rotation.
Homemade & Yummy
April 23, 2018 at 10:12 AMIt does make it easier to get away from the carbs for sure. Hope you give this recipe a try.
Stacey
April 23, 2018 at 9:14 AMEverything about this sounds so delicious! I love the zucchini noodle substitution. This would be perfect for a last minute dinner party … or anytime! Love it.
Homemade & Yummy
April 23, 2018 at 10:12 AMYes it is quick and easy for any night of the week. ENJOY!!
lauren
April 22, 2018 at 10:24 PMYou had me at one skillet! Love when a dish is full of good stuff and doesn’t require a mess! A nice, light, low carb dinner.
Homemade & Yummy
April 23, 2018 at 10:16 AMThis one really comes together so quickly. Hope you give it a try.
Veronika's Kitchen
April 22, 2018 at 5:53 PMEvery time I see these beautiful recipes, I think about getting a spiralizer) I think the time has come and I am ordering it right now!) greate recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
April 22, 2018 at 7:31 PMThey are a fun kitchen gadget. I did a lot of research before I finally decided on the OXO Good Grips. Works awesome!!
Matt Kearns
April 22, 2018 at 10:50 AMI have yet to try using a spiralizer, but just may get myself one to try out this recipe! I love seafood and the shrimp look cooked perfectly in this dish. Well done!
Homemade & Yummy
April 22, 2018 at 7:32 PMThanks so much…hope you give this delicious recipe a try soon.
prasanna hede
April 21, 2018 at 2:03 PMWhat a great looking dish! wonderful dinner fix,plus I need to get a spiralizer now.shrimp is my favorite..would love to give this a try.
Homemade & Yummy
April 21, 2018 at 9:36 PMYES….get a spiralizer you will LOVE it. I have a couple of links at the bottom of the post….I use the OXO Good Grips…and it is fantastic.
Tamara Andersen
April 21, 2018 at 10:26 AMWe are watching our carbs too, and have found the spiralizer to be a great tool in our kitchen. I have done a shrimp and zoodle recipe too. Shrimp are the perfect addition because they can be quick thawed and require only a few minutes cooking time. I love raw zoodles for salads too! I need to get some peri peri sauces and give this a try!
Homemade & Yummy
April 21, 2018 at 9:37 PMYes I always have shrimp in the freezer. So easy to put into dishes…and delicious and healthy too.
Nicole
April 21, 2018 at 9:00 AMLove how simple this is. What a fabulous way to use zucchini noodles. We love our zucchini noodles too and I’m always looking for new ideas to pair them with. I love the shrimp addition.
Homemade & Yummy
April 21, 2018 at 10:20 AMShrimp works well in this recipe. Keeps you full and satisfied….and pairs the the zoodles. A fun and delicious recipe for sure. Hope you give it a try.
Paige
April 20, 2018 at 12:57 AMI totally hear you about the carbs and noodles. I bet you don’t even miss them in this dish!this looks easy and tasty!
Homemade & Yummy
April 21, 2018 at 10:16 AMThis is a fun dish….and with all the shrimp it keeps you full.
Jersey Girl Cooks
April 17, 2018 at 2:41 PMThis is a great idea! I can’t wait to try this!
Homemade & Yummy
April 18, 2018 at 10:42 AMIt is a fun and delicious recipe for sure.
Emily
April 17, 2018 at 11:02 AMI love one-pan dinner even better if they are quick and healthy, this looks so delicious!
Homemade & Yummy
April 17, 2018 at 11:13 AMYup…and so much better than takeout ALL the time.
Megan Marlowe
April 16, 2018 at 1:56 PMI am not a huge pasta fan to be quite honest, but zoodles, I’m all in! I just so happen to have zucchini and have shrimp in my freezer, I always have it on hand too, so this is happening this week in my kitchen. I love the flavors and it’s made all in one pan?! come to mama!
Homemade & Yummy
April 16, 2018 at 3:08 PMI know…I always have shrimp in the freezer too. One pan dinners are the best on busy weeknights for sure.
Dana
April 16, 2018 at 10:34 AMZucchini noodles and shrimp go so well together! I think the addition of a protein like shrimp is super important too, because in my experience, zucchini noodles aren’t very substantial and I’m always still hungry after. Which always just makes me feel like an oinker. Haha. But adding that protein just creates a whole meal that’s filling but feels light! Lovely recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
April 16, 2018 at 3:08 PMHAHAH….well eat up…these are healthy and delicious for sure.
Amy Nash
April 16, 2018 at 9:45 AMZucchini noodles are the best! I love pasta as well but seriously hardly even miss it because zucchini noodles are such a great replacement that are so much healthier. I way prefer them over spaghetti squash in that way. This dish sounds fantastic with the shrimp and peri peri sauce!
Homemade & Yummy
April 16, 2018 at 3:09 PMIt really is a fun and delicious way to enjoy healthy, nutritious zucchini….and it was a great excuse to get a new kitchen gadget for sure.
Amanda
April 16, 2018 at 7:39 AMI bought a spiralizer and I definitely don’t use it enough! These zucchini noodles with shrimp and veggies look like such an easy and satisfying, healthy dinner! Really gets me in the mood for the warm weather, too. What a great dinner to start making the most of produce at the spring markets!
Homemade & Yummy
April 16, 2018 at 9:09 AMThis is a fun way to make veggie noodles for sure. Lots of great things to make all summer long. Hope you give this a try.
Heather
April 15, 2018 at 8:02 PMThis is absolutely gorgeous! I am always looking for healthy recipes and those zucchini noodles are amazing! And peri peri sauce?? Yum! My husband bought me a spiralizer and I haven’t used it yet … I just broke it out and will be making this dish this week.
Homemade & Yummy
April 16, 2018 at 9:11 AMThey are fun to use….hope you give this a try. You will want to keep that fun little gadget out for sure.
Veena Azmanov
April 15, 2018 at 5:12 PMI love simple easy and quick stir fry recipes like this. And of course with my favorite shrimp. That zoodle is my most recent favorite. Love using these instead of noodles. Perfect for busy weekdays
Homemade & Yummy
April 16, 2018 at 9:12 AMI know, zoodles are fun to make for sure…and super easy.
Sarah
April 15, 2018 at 3:41 PMSomehow I still haven’t tried making veggie noodles! I need to- I always end up with too many zucchini. This is brilliant, and I love the shrimp!
Homemade & Yummy
April 16, 2018 at 9:13 AMIs the perfect way to use all the zucchini …. not to mention healthy too.
Priya Srinivasan
April 15, 2018 at 1:31 PMWhat a colorful,c arb free meal!! i m so in love with these veggies noodles! i m looking for buying a spiralizer and posts like these make that want more strong!! Healthy, hearty and a colorful plate!
Homemade & Yummy
April 16, 2018 at 9:14 AMYes….get a good spiralizer (links below the post) and you will have fun in the kitchen.
Sara
April 14, 2018 at 8:12 PMWhat a gorgeous dish. One skillet meals often save dinner for my too busy with baseball season family!
Homemade & Yummy
April 15, 2018 at 10:23 AMYup they are handy, and so much more affordable than takeout…not to mention MORE delicious too.
Veena Azmanov
April 14, 2018 at 2:41 PMWhat an AMAZING idea. I LOVE how easy and delicious this is. This is absolutely fantastic. One of my favs! I definitely want to try it! Thank you for the recipe! YUM!
Homemade & Yummy
April 14, 2018 at 3:42 PMHope you give it a try….I know you have the spiralizer!!
Tina
April 14, 2018 at 12:45 PMI love the colors of this dish, and the low carb, super win-win for cooking for my hubby. I bet he wouldn’t even notice the low carb aspect because he loves shrimp so much. I use a julienne peeler just because it’s so small and I have a tiny kitchen otherwise I would be so there with the spiralizer. Thanks for sharing this, it’s gorgeous!
Homemade & Yummy
April 14, 2018 at 3:42 PMYes the shrimp more than make up for the carbs…but the zucchini noodles are so delicious.
Marisa Franca
April 14, 2018 at 8:59 AMDon’t you just love spiralizing? That’s the only way Hubby wants his zucchini. It took me a while before we got a spiralizer. I wish I would have known of your brand — ours does not like to stick to the counter. Oh well, we still get lots of use out of it. Your shrimp dish looks so light and tasty. This is one perfect dish for the warmer weather. Let’s hear it for warm weather!!!!!
Homemade & Yummy
April 14, 2018 at 10:09 AMHAHA…well it is SPRING…and we are in the middle of an ice storm. So frustrating! Anyway….LOVE my zoodle maker….it works well.
Coleen
April 13, 2018 at 10:58 PMWe usually always cook at home, too, and I’m with you, when we do get takeout, we’re usually disappointed. This looks like a delicious and easy option, and I have a spirializer buried somewhere, too. 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
April 14, 2018 at 10:09 AMWell you need to find it out and have some fun in the kitchen making this zoodles.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
April 13, 2018 at 10:19 PMI agree about the carb part in our meals. I am such a carb person that it is hard for me to even think about not having pasta, bread or rice as a meal. I really need to try the zoodles as I have been reading a lot about how delicious it is. This dish is so easy to put together!
Homemade & Yummy
April 14, 2018 at 10:10 AMI know….I LOVE carbs….this does help.
Nicole
April 13, 2018 at 4:11 PMLovely dish with the shrimp! Our boys love the ‘green strings’ and they love spiralizing even more 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
April 13, 2018 at 6:45 PMYes it is so much fun…and not to mention a healthy way of eating too.
Carmy @ carmyy.com
April 13, 2018 at 3:04 PMI love a good zucchini noodle dish! Perfect way to keep things low-cal without sacrificing taste! Plus the shrimp? The perfect way to top off the noodles! I love it!
Homemade & Yummy
April 13, 2018 at 6:45 PMThanks so much…hope you give this recipe a try.
Karyn Ryan
April 13, 2018 at 12:14 PMWhat a delicious healthy recipe. It is just perfect for a light week day meal. Simple & fast.. I really have to get me a spiralizer. Your photos do the recipe great justice. lovely
Homemade & Yummy
April 13, 2018 at 6:47 PMThanks so much for the compliments…hope you give this recipe a try.
Camilla Hawkins
April 13, 2018 at 10:23 AMThis recipe looks and sounds delicious, I have never made Zoodles so really must put this right!
Homemade & Yummy
April 13, 2018 at 6:47 PMIt is a great way to cut down on carbs…and fun too.
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
April 12, 2018 at 6:06 PMFirst, let me say that this looks and sounds delicious — and not just because my husband are avoiding carbs right now (LOL). I love the fresh flavors in that skillet — and honestly, any dinner that can be made in one pan is a winner in my book. I do have a question regarding your spiralizer. My husband gave me one for Christmas 2 years ago and to be blunt, it sucks. It is virtually impossible to get a spiraled effect from this thing and the zucchini keeps dropping out of the mechanism every time I make a rotation. So my question is – do you have any tips or tricks for keeping the zucchini in place or can you share the brand you use?
Homemade & Yummy
April 12, 2018 at 6:56 PMHello Lisa…I have sent you an email to make sure you get my response. It may sound crazy, but I did LOTS of research before buying a spiralizer. I know some people may think that is CRAZY….but I wanted to be sure I got one that worked well. I one I have is the OXO Good Grips Tabletop. It is AMAZING….and the suction to the countertop is fantastic. In fact, I have a hard time getting it off the counter. Works great on all kinds of fruits and veggies.
Derek | Dad With A Pan
April 12, 2018 at 11:03 AMZoodles are so fresh and easy to make. I love meals like this when I don’t feel like being weighed down. Lovely photos!
Homemade & Yummy
April 12, 2018 at 6:57 PMThanks so much for the compliments…and YES they are fun and delicious!!
Swati Saxena
April 11, 2018 at 12:25 PMLoved these Zucchini noodles and with shrimp added to it, I am sure it would have tasted great. Will try your recipe, Thanks for sharing.I
Homemade & Yummy
April 11, 2018 at 1:11 PMThis is so easy to make…hope you give it a try.
Lauren
April 11, 2018 at 11:43 AMI’ve just recently made zucchini noodles for the first time, and I love them! This is such a fun recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
April 11, 2018 at 1:11 PMSo much fun right? I love making them…and they are so healthy too.
Jill
April 11, 2018 at 11:29 AMI’m a carb lover too and eat more than I should. I need to get my spiralizer out more often this summer. This recipe looks delicious!
Homemade & Yummy
April 11, 2018 at 1:12 PMI know….carbs are so good. Glad I can tame it down a bit with recipes like this.
Pam Greer
April 11, 2018 at 10:48 AMI am so ready for summer growing season!! Filing this away for when we are up to our ears in zucchini!
Homemade & Yummy
April 11, 2018 at 1:12 PMYES….I am ready for summer weather and the great foods that go along with it.
Claudia Lamascolo
April 11, 2018 at 10:36 AMI love this idea. I tried them once and didnt do them right I am so please to see this recipe to try them! They look fabulous and perfect
Homemade & Yummy
April 11, 2018 at 1:13 PMThey are super easy to make. Hope you give them another try with this recipe.