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Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp One Skillet Dinner

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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.

Overhead shot of Healthy Zucchini Noodle and Shrimp in a bowl.

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.

This super easy zucchini and shrimp 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.

Zucchini noodles on a plate ready to cook.

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.

Zucchini noodles, shrimp and additional veggies cooking in a wok.

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 the zucchini. My very first experiment was Greek Zoodle Salad. OMG, this has now become one of our favourite summer salads.

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.

Overhead shot of Healthy Zucchini Noodle and Shrimp in a bowl, Peri Peri sauce off to the side.

There are several ways to make your noddles:

  • spiralizer
  • julienne peeler
  • mandoline
  • hand-held spiralizer

My preferred method is the 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

Close up shot of Zucchini Noodles and Shrimp on a fork.

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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Overhead shot of Healthy Zucchini Noodle and Shrimp in a bowl.

Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp One Skillet Dinner

Course: Healthy, Main Course, Shrimp, Veggies
: Canadian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 251 kcal
Author: Homemade & Yummy
Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp One Skillet Dinner is the perfect fast and easy weeknight meal. In a matter of minutes, dinner is on the table. Gluten free, healthy and only ONE pan to clean.
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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
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  1. Prepare you 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 zip lock bag.

  2. Heat a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and heat.

  3. Add the sliced leeks. Cook until soft (about 5 minutes).

  4. Add sliced red peppers. Cook for approximately 2 minutes.

  5. Add Peri Peri sauce, and mix to combine.

  6. Add shrimp and cook approximately 2 minutes.

  7. Add zucchini noodles and cook approximately 3-4 minutes.

  8. Add spinach and cook for 1 minute.

  9. Remove from heat.

  10. ENJOY!!

Recipe Notes

YOU can use any leftover veggies in this easy dinner recipe. Zucchini noodles work with everything. If you don't like your food spicy, use a honey garlic sauce, or just a simple soy or sweet chili sauce will work too.

Nutrition Facts
Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp One Skillet Dinner
Amount Per Serving
Calories 251 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 285mg 95%
Sodium 921mg 38%
Potassium 728mg 21%
Total Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 6g
Protein 26g 52%
Vitamin A 105%
Vitamin C 132.8%
Calcium 23.6%
Iron 25.5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp One Skillet Dinner long pin image.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. This 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.

    Reply

    • No 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.

      Reply

  4. Yum!! 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.

    Reply

  5. Everything 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.

    Reply

  8. I 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!

    Reply

  10. We 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!

    Reply

  11. Love 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.

    Reply

  15. I 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!

    Reply

  16. Zucchini 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!

    Reply

  17. Zucchini 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!

    Reply

  18. I 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!

    Reply

  19. This 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.

    Reply

  20. I 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

    Reply

  21. Somehow 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!

    Reply

  22. What 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!

    Reply

  25. I 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!

    Reply

  26. Don’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!!!!!

    Reply

  27. We 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. 🙂

    Reply

  28. I 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!

    Reply

  31. What 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

    Reply

  33. First, 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?

    Reply

    • Hello 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.

      Reply

  35. Loved 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

    Reply

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