Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a dish that redefines indulgent low-carb dining: Keto Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles. This isn’t just another keto recipe; it’s a culinary experience that brings restaurant-quality flavors and textures right to your dinner table, all while keeping your carb count low and your satisfaction high. Imagine plump, succulent shrimp, perfectly pan-seared to juicy perfection, generously coated in a rich, velvety garlic parmesan Alfredo sauce. Every forkful delivers an irresistibly creamy sensation, making it incredibly hard to believe this dish is entirely guilt-free.
Served elegantly over delicate zucchini noodles (also known as zoodles), tender spaghetti squash, or your preferred low-carb pasta alternative, this recipe offers a perfect blend of comfort and health-conscious eating. It’s the ideal solution for anyone seeking a flavorful, satisfying meal without compromising their dietary goals. What makes this dish even more appealing is its incredible speed: ready in under 30 minutes, it effortlessly transforms from a quick and easy weeknight dinner into an elegant, impressive meal for special occasions. Say goodbye to carb-heavy pasta cravings and hello to a new favorite that’s both delicious and diet-friendly.

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Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Keto Shrimp Alfredo
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“O-M-Gina this recipe is so quick, easy and tastey!! I made it as the recipe states and it was delicious. Then I played around with it by adding a few other seasonings/herbs. I still can’t believe how fast and easy this recipe is! Thank you so much for sharing this!!”
~Rosie
This Keto Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how flavorful and satisfying healthy eating can be. Readers consistently rave about this recipe for several compelling reasons, solidifying its place as a keto kitchen favorite:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The harmonious blend of plump, tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a luxurious, smooth Parmesan Alfredo sauce creates a deeply savory and incredibly satisfying taste. It’s a rich, restaurant-quality experience that will make you forget you’re eating a low-carb dish.
- Remarkably Quick & Easy Preparation: In today’s busy world, a delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes is a treasure. This recipe is designed for efficiency, making it the perfect solution for hectic weeknights when you crave something special but are short on time.
- Perfectly Keto & Low-Carb Friendly: For those adhering to ketogenic or low-carb diets, this dish is a dream come true. It allows you to indulge in a classic comfort food without the carb guilt, thanks to nutrient-rich zucchini noodles that replace traditional pasta.
- Gourmet Experience at Home: Achieve the velvety texture and sophisticated flavor typically found in high-end Italian restaurants, all crafted with ease in your own kitchen. Impress your family or guests with minimal effort.
- Versatile & Adaptable: While zucchini noodles are the star, this recipe is incredibly flexible. It can be served with other low-carb alternatives like delicate spaghetti squash strands, cauliflower rice, or even miracle noodles, catering to various preferences and dietary needs.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the shrimp and vitamins from the zucchini, this meal is not only delicious but also provides significant nutritional benefits, contributing to a balanced and healthy diet.
It’s this blend of speed, flavor, and health benefits that makes this creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo a beloved staple for anyone on a low-carb journey, proving that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or comfort.
Essential Ingredients for Keto Alfredo
Crafting the perfect Keto Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that not only deliver on flavor but also adhere to your low-carb lifestyle. Here’s a detailed look at the key components that make this dish truly exceptional and why each plays a vital role:
- Zucchini: The cornerstone of our low-carb pasta alternative. When spiralized into “zoodles,” zucchini offers a wonderfully light, slightly crisp-tender, and fresh texture that beautifully absorbs the rich Alfredo sauce. Unlike traditional pasta, zoodles are naturally low in carbohydrates and calories, making them a perfect keto-friendly base. They provide bulk and a satisfying noodle-like experience without the heavy carb load, allowing you to enjoy a substantial meal guilt-free.
- Kosher Salt: More than just a seasoning, kosher salt plays a crucial role in preparing your zucchini noodles. Its coarser texture and pure flavor are ideal for drawing out excess moisture from the zucchini through a process called osmosis. This essential step prevents your Alfredo sauce from becoming watery and ensures your zoodles maintain a desirable, firm texture akin to al dente pasta. It also enhances the natural flavors of all other ingredients, bringing them to life.
- Olive Oil: A foundational healthy fat in Mediterranean cuisine, high-quality extra virgin olive oil is primarily used for sautéing the shrimp. It imparts a subtle fruity and peppery note while providing beneficial monounsaturated fats. Its moderate smoke point is perfect for pan-searing, ensuring the shrimp cooks evenly and develops a lovely golden crust without burning, contributing to both flavor and texture.
- Shrimp: The star protein of this delightful dish! Shrimp is an excellent choice for a keto diet due to its high protein content and virtually zero carbohydrates. It cooks incredibly quickly, making it a fantastic option for fast meals. Beyond its nutritional benefits, shrimp brings a delicate, slightly sweet, and briny flavor that wonderfully complements the rich, savory Alfredo sauce. Opt for fresh or good quality frozen (thawed and patted dry) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best results and easiest preparation.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is indispensable for building the robust, aromatic foundation of our Alfredo sauce. Minced garlic infuses the entire dish with a deep, pungent, and savory aroma that is characteristic of classic Italian-American cuisine. It pairs exceptionally well with both shrimp and the creamy dairy components, creating an irresistible depth of flavor. Always use fresh garlic for the most impactful taste.
- Unsalted Butter: The secret to a truly luxurious Alfredo sauce. Unsalted butter provides a rich, creamy mouthfeel and a deep, nuanced flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to have precise control over the saltiness of your dish, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned to your taste without being overly salty. It’s essential for sautéing the garlic and forming the velvety base of the sauce, adding a gourmet touch.
- Heavy Cream: The very essence of Alfredo, heavy cream (also known as heavy whipping cream) is the key to achieving that signature ultra-rich, decadent, and creamy texture. It is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a perfect keto staple. It creates a smooth, lush sauce that beautifully coats every strand of zucchini and every piece of shrimp, making each bite a delight.
- Cream Cheese: A keto-friendly powerhouse that adds extra creaminess and helps to thicken the Alfredo sauce without the need for carb-heavy flours or starches. When melted into the sauce, cream cheese contributes to a wonderfully silky-smooth consistency and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the heavy cream and Parmesan, adding complexity to the flavor.
- Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: The quintessential finishing touch for any authentic Alfredo. Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano melts seamlessly into the sauce, imparting a bold, complex, nutty, and salty flavor that is simply irreplaceable. Using a high-quality, aged Parmesan cheese is crucial for achieving the desired smooth texture and intense flavor; pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

The Secret to Perfect Zucchini Noodles: Sweating Them Out
Achieving the ideal texture for your zucchini noodles – firm, flavorful, and not watery – is a critical step in making this Keto Shrimp Alfredo truly exceptional. Skipping this simple yet important process can lead to a soupy, diluted sauce, which is a common pitfall for many zoodle recipes. Trust us, you don’t want your rich Alfredo transforming into a thin, flavorless broth! By “sweating out” your zucchini, you’re not just removing excess moisture; you’re also concentrating their flavor and giving them a more substantial, pasta-like consistency that holds up beautifully to the creamy sauce.
Here’s how to master this essential technique, ensuring your zoodles enhance your dish rather than detract from it:
- Salt the Zoodles Liberally: Begin by placing your freshly spiralized zucchini noodles in a colander. Evenly sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt over them. The salt acts as a dehydrating agent, drawing out the natural moisture from the zucchini cells through a process called osmosis. This process helps to break down some of the cell walls, allowing water to escape.
- Allow Them to Rest: Let the salted zoodles sit in the colander for a minimum of 15-30 minutes. You’ll visibly notice beads of water forming and dripping from the colander – this is exactly what you want! For thicker zoodles, or if your zucchini is particularly large and watery, you might extend this resting time slightly to ensure maximum moisture release.
- Thoroughly Pat Dry: After the resting period, transfer the zoodles to a clean sheet pan lined with several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Press down firmly with more paper towels or another clean towel to absorb as much residual moisture as possible. This step is crucial; the drier your zoodles are at this stage, the better they will integrate into your sauce and prevent it from becoming thin. Don’t be shy about pressing firmly!
- Optional: Quick Sauté for Extra Firmness: For those who prefer an even firmer, more “al dente” texture, similar to traditional pasta, consider a quick, dry sauté. Heat a large skillet over medium heat (no oil needed!). Add the thoroughly dried zoodles and sauté for just 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until they are slightly softened but still have a pleasant bite. This flash cooking helps to evaporate any remaining surface moisture and firm up their structure. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can quickly become mushy if left for too long.
This simple yet effective step is your guarantee that your zucchini noodles will remain firm, perfectly absorb the incredible flavors of your creamy Alfredo sauce, and never dilute your delicious meal. It’s the difference between a good dish and an absolutely amazing one, allowing the rich Alfredo to truly shine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Keto Shrimp Alfredo
Creating this flavorful and satisfying Keto Shrimp Alfredo is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple, detailed steps for a perfect meal every time, ensuring rich flavors and ideal textures:
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Zucchini Noodles: This is your first and most crucial step. Start by performing the “sweating” process for your zucchini noodles as outlined in the previous section. This involves salting them generously and allowing them to rest to draw out excess moisture, then thoroughly patting them dry. This foundational step is key to preventing a watery sauce and ensuring your zoodles have the best possible texture.
- Sear the Shrimp to Perfection: Heat a large skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for an even sear) over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add your peeled and deveined shrimp along with the minced garlic. Cook the shrimp for only 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn bright pink and become opaque. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be vigilant to avoid overcooking, which can lead to a tough, rubbery texture. You want them tender and juicy.
- Remove Shrimp and Reserve: Once the shrimp are perfectly seared, promptly transfer them from the skillet to a clean plate and set them aside. This ensures they don’t continue to cook and maintains their delicate texture while you prepare the luscious Alfredo sauce.
- Craft the Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and allow it to partially melt. Next, introduce the cream cheese (ensure it’s cut into small chunks for faster, more even melting), freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, heavy cream, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you enjoy a hint of spice) to the skillet. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Melt and Whisk for Silky Smoothness: Continuously stir the sauce ingredients as they heat. The cream cheese may take a few minutes to fully dissolve and integrate into the sauce, so be patient and keep whisking or stirring until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety. Ensure the heat remains at medium; cooking at too high a temperature can cause the dairy components to separate, resulting in a grainy or broken sauce. Aim for a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
- Combine and Finish the Dish: Once your Alfredo sauce is a beautiful, creamy consistency, return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Add the thoroughly patted dry zucchini noodles. Gently toss everything together using tongs or a spatula, ensuring the zoodles and shrimp are well coated in the luscious sauce. Continue to cook for just 3-4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini noodles have softened slightly to your desired tenderness. Again, be careful not to overcook the zoodles, as they can quickly become mushy.
Serve your homemade, healthy, and incredibly delicious Keto Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness, if desired. Enjoy!



Zucchini Noodles: Texture, Expectations, and Flavor
It’s a common question, and an important one to address for anyone new to low-carb alternatives: “Do zucchini noodles taste exactly like traditional pasta?” The straightforward answer is no. While zoodles are an excellent low-carb, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense alternative, they possess their own unique characteristics that set them apart from wheat-based pasta.
Zucchini noodles offer a lighter, fresher taste and a slightly crisp-tender texture, especially when prepared correctly through the crucial “sweating out” process. They are not dense, starchy, or chewy in the same way traditional semolina pasta is. The key is to approach zoodles with an open mind and embrace them for what they truly are: a fantastic vegetable-based noodle that serves as an incredible vehicle for rich sauces, rather than a direct, identical flavor replica of pasta. They are a healthier, lighter alternative that allows you to enjoy the *experience* of a pasta dish without the associated carbohydrates.
Their wonderfully neutral flavor profile makes them incredibly versatile, allowing them to readily absorb the delicious, creamy garlic Alfredo sauce. This absorption is precisely why they work so well in this dish – they carry the robust flavors of the sauce in every bite, providing a satisfying “noodle” experience without the heavy carb load. Think of them as a healthy upgrade that enables you to enjoy your favorite creamy dishes without derailing your dietary goals or feeling deprived. Once you adjust your expectations from “pasta substitute” to “delicious and healthy noodle alternative,” you’ll find zoodles to be a wonderfully satisfying and essential component of your low-carb meals, opening up a world of culinary possibilities.


Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Meal
While this Keto Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience even further. These keto-friendly options not only complement the rich flavors of the Alfredo sauce but also add valuable nutrients, contrasting textures, and vibrant colors to your plate:
- Cauliflower Mash: Creamy, comforting, and remarkably similar to traditional mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash offers a smooth, almost velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the slight bite of the zoodles and the firmness of the shrimp. It’s an excellent way to add another layer of richness and satiation to your meal without piling on carbs.
- Air Fryer Roasted Green Beans: For a vibrant, crisp, and slightly charred side, air fryer green beans are perfect. Their slight bitterness and snappy texture provide a wonderful counterpoint to the rich, creamy Alfredo, offering a refreshing palate cleanser with each bite. They are quick to prepare and packed with essential vitamins and fiber.
- Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts: If you love a savory, slightly caramelized vegetable, roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and nutty flavor, especially when seasoned with garlic, echoing the flavors of your main dish while adding a hearty green element. Their tender-crisp texture is a delightful addition.
- Zucchini Pasta Salad: While you’re already enjoying zoodles in your main course, a fresh zucchini pasta salad (prepared without cream) can offer a refreshing, tangy contrast. Think light vinaigrettes, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs to provide a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich Alfredo, preventing the meal from feeling too heavy.
- Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette: Sometimes, simplicity is best. A crisp green salad featuring tender lettuce, cucumber, and a light, sugar-free vinaigrette can effectively cut through the richness of the Alfredo, offering a refreshing and healthy balance to your meal. It adds essential roughage and a vibrant touch.
- Low-Carb Garlic Bread: For those who truly miss the bread element with their pasta, consider making or buying a keto-friendly garlic bread (often crafted from almond flour or coconut flour). It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover delicious Alfredo sauce, completing the classic Italian-American dining experience in a low-carb way.
Choose one or two of these thoughtfully selected sides to create a well-rounded and delightful low-carb feast that satisfies all your cravings.


Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
Properly storing and reheating your Keto Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is crucial for maintaining its delicious taste and texture. While fresh is always best, leftovers can be just as enjoyable with a few key considerations to prevent sogginess and maintain creaminess:
How to Store:
- Separate the Components for Best Results: The most important tip for storing this dish is to keep the zucchini noodles separate from the Alfredo sauce and shrimp if at all possible. Zucchini noodles tend to release more water and can become quite soggy and watery when stored directly in the sauce, diluting its richness.
- Use Air-Tight Containers: Transfer the Alfredo sauce and shrimp to one air-tight container, and the thoroughly cooled zucchini noodles to another separate air-tight container. This minimizes air exposure, which can lead to oxidation, spoilage, and a loss of vibrant flavor.
- Refrigeration: Store both containers promptly in the refrigerator. The dish is best consumed within 3-4 days. Beyond this, the quality will start to decline, especially for the delicate texture of the shrimp and zoodles.
How to Reheat:
- Stovetop (Recommended Method): This method provides the best results for gently warming and restoring the creamy texture of your Alfredo sauce and shrimp, and for keeping zoodles firm.
- Gently warm the Alfredo sauce and shrimp in a skillet over low to medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, scorching, and to ensure even heating throughout.
- If the sauce has thickened too much in the refrigerator or appears a bit dry, add a splash of extra heavy cream, a tablespoon of cream cheese, unsweetened almond milk, or even a little chicken broth. Whisk constantly as it warms to help re-emulsify the sauce and restore its original creamy consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Once the sauce and shrimp are heated through to your liking, quickly add the pre-cooked (and previously stored) zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss gently with the sauce and shrimp for just 1-2 minutes until the zoodles are warm. Avoid overcooking at this stage, as they can quickly turn mushy.
- Microwave (Use with Caution): While convenient, the microwave can sometimes cause the sauce to separate or the shrimp to become rubbery if overheated or not stirred properly.
- Heat the sauce and shrimp in microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval to distribute heat and prevent separation.
- Add a small amount of heavy cream or broth if needed to restore creaminess and whisk well.
- Warm the zucchini noodles separately for a very short period (30-60 seconds), or add them to the sauce only for the last 30 seconds of heating to minimize cooking time.
- Avoid High Heat: Regardless of the reheating method you choose, always reheat gently over low or medium-low heat. High heat is the enemy of delicate Alfredo sauce, as it can cause the emulsion to break, resulting in a grainy, oily, or separated texture. Furthermore, high heat will make the shrimp tough and rubbery, compromising the entire dish.
By following these careful tips, you can enjoy delicious Keto Shrimp Alfredo leftovers that are nearly as good as the freshly made dish, ensuring no culinary effort goes to waste!
Freezing Keto Shrimp Alfredo: What You Need to Know
When it comes to meal prepping and long-term storage, freezing can be a convenient option for many dishes. However, certain ingredients in Keto Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo make it less ideal for freezing as a complete, assembled meal. Understanding these limitations will help you manage your expectations and prevent disappointment.
Why Freezing the Whole Dish is Not Recommended:
- Shrimp Texture Degradation: Cooked shrimp, when frozen and then thawed, tends to become noticeably tougher, chewier, and more rubbery in texture. It loses its delicate juiciness and tender bite, making for a significantly less pleasant eating experience.
- Dairy-Based Sauce Separation: Alfredo sauce, being rich in heavy cream, butter, and cheese, is an emulsion. These dairy fats and liquids are highly prone to separation when subjected to the freezing and thawing process. This often results in a grainy, watery, or oily sauce that lacks its original smooth, velvety consistency. While it’s still edible, the texture is significantly compromised and requires considerable effort (like re-whisking with more cream) to attempt to salvage.
- Zucchini Noodle Softness and Water Release: Zucchini noodles, already delicate with high water content, become very soft, limp, and even mushy after being frozen and thawed. The freezing process breaks down their cellular structure, causing them to release a lot of water upon thawing, which will further dilute any sauce they are mixed with. They lose their “al dente” bite entirely.
Freezing Components Separately (with limitations):
If you absolutely must freeze something from this dish, the Alfredo sauce alone holds up slightly better than the entire meal, though still with potential textural changes.
- Alfredo Sauce: You can freeze the Alfredo sauce (without the shrimp or zoodles) in a separate freezer-safe, air-tight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, warm it very slowly over low heat on the stovetop, whisking frequently and vigorously. Be prepared to add extra heavy cream or a touch of cream cheese to help re-emulsify and smooth it out, restoring some of its original texture.
- Shrimp and Zoodles: It is strongly advised against freezing cooked shrimp and zucchini noodles. For the best quality, always prepare these components fresh when you are ready to assemble and serve the dish. Their delicate textures are simply not well-suited to freezing.
For optimal flavor and texture, this Keto Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is truly best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days, following the detailed reheating tips mentioned above. If you’re looking to meal prep, consider preparing the sauce base ahead of time and then cooking the shrimp and zoodles fresh just before serving to ensure the highest quality meal.

Pin this delicious Keto Low-Carb Shrimp Alfredo recipe for later here.
More Delightful Keto Alfredo Recipes
If you’re a fan of creamy, savory Alfredo dishes and dedicated to maintaining a low-carb lifestyle, you’re in luck! The incredible versatility of Alfredo sauce allows for numerous keto-friendly variations that are just as satisfying and flavorful as this delightful shrimp recipe. Don’t let your low-carb journey be boring; explore these other fantastic options to keep your keto meal planning exciting, diverse, and deliciously fulfilling:
- Keto Low Carb Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo: A beloved classic reimagined perfectly for keto! Enjoy tender, succulent chicken breast bathed in a rich, decadent Alfredo sauce, all served over your favorite low-carb “fettuccine” alternative. This could be wider zucchini ribbons, innovative heart of palm noodles, or even a specialized keto-friendly pasta substitute. This dish is hearty, incredibly comforting, and a superb choice for a satisfying main course.
- Keto Low Carb Chicken Alfredo Fathead Pizza: Take your Alfredo experience to a whole new, exciting level with this inventive pizza creation! A delicious, chewy fathead crust serves as the perfect low-carb foundation, generously topped with creamy Alfredo sauce, seasoned chicken pieces, and a blanket of melty mozzarella cheese. It’s a fantastic, guilt-free option for a keto pizza night that absolutely does not skimp on flavor or satisfaction.
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Alfredo: For those who appreciate the convenience and speed of the Instant Pot and adore the unique, noodle-like texture of spaghetti squash, this recipe is an absolute winner. Combining the simplicity of pressure cooking with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, it offers a healthier, vegetable-rich twist on a beloved classic, making weeknight meals effortless and delicious.
Click here for a complete listing of Keto Low-Carb Recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure and expand your repertoire of healthy, delicious meals.

Keto Low-Carb Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
By Brandi Crawford
This Keto Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is a rich, indulgent dish that’s packed with flavor—without the carbs! Juicy, pan-seared shrimp are coated in a velvety garlic parmesan Alfredo sauce, making every bite irresistibly creamy. Served over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or your favorite pasta alternative, this dish is a perfect way to enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal while staying on track. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying option for busy weeknights or an elegant low-carb dinner!
Recipe Summary and Rating
Rating: 4.92 from 85 votes
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Preparation Details
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 15 mins
- Zucchini Rest Time
- 30 mins
- Total Time
- 55 mins
Course and Cuisine
- Course
- Dinner, Lunch
- Cuisine
- American, Keto
Servings and Calories
- Servings
- 5
- Calories
- 389 kcal
Equipment
- Spiralizer
- Meal Prep Containers
Ingredients
- 2 pounds zucchini, spiralized (about 4-5 zucchini, depending on size)
- ¼-1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to suit the amount you need to dry out the zucchini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream (If you prefer a lot of cream sauce, try ¾ cup)
- 4 oz cream cheese, cut into small chunks
- ½ cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional)
- ½ -1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Optional)
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan with paper towels. Place the zucchini noodles on the paper towels. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Allow the zucchini to sit for 30 minutes to sweat out excess water.
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, shrimp, and minced garlic. Cook each side of the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until bright pink.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Add the butter to the skillet on medium heat. Allow the butter to partially melt and then add the chunks of cream cheese, Parmesan Reggiano, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir continuously until the cheese has melted. The cream cheese may take some time to dissolve, so be patient and keep stirring until smooth.
- Add the shrimp and zucchini noodles to the pan. Stir to coat the zucchini. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini softens to your desired tenderness.
Notes
Be sure to drain the excess water from the zucchini noodles by following the “sweating” steps noted above. This step is crucial because if skipped, the pan will be filled with water, creating a soupy consistency instead of a rich sauce. It also helps give the zucchini a firmer consistency and texture that is closer to pasta.
To serve using grilled shrimp, add the shrimp to a grill pan and grill on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. In this case, instead of adding the garlic while cooking the shrimp, add it to the pan with the butter when creating the cream sauce for maximum flavor integration.
Nutrition
Calories: 389 kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 30g
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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