Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Pesto is a fresh, vibrant, and light pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with the freshness of zucchini noodles and the aromatic, herbaceous flavor of pesto. This dish offers a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta while still delivering big on flavor and texture. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious yet indulgent meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
The zucchini noodles, often referred to as “zoodles,” are made by spiralizing fresh zucchini into long, thin strands, creating a pasta-like texture that absorbs sauces beautifully. The zoodles are sautéed briefly to soften them while still retaining their crunch, making them a perfect base for the shrimp and pesto.
The shrimp are seasoned with a touch of garlic, salt, and pepper, then sautéed until perfectly tender and juicy. The natural sweetness of the shrimp pairs beautifully with the freshness of the zucchini noodles, creating a well-balanced seafood dish.
The pesto is the star of this dish, made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The pesto sauce brings a rich, herbaceous flavor that ties the entire dish together, coating the zucchini noodles and shrimp in a silky, flavorful sauce. The pesto adds depth and brightness, complementing the natural sweetness of the shrimp and the mild flavor of the zucchini.
To finish, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and some freshly cracked black pepper adds an extra layer of richness and flavor. You can also garnish with additional fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish even more.
Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Pesto is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, healthy meal any time of year. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and full of fresh, clean flavors that make it both satisfying and nourishing.
In summary, this dish combines the lightness of zucchini noodles with the richness of shrimp and the fresh, fragrant flavor of pesto. It’s a refreshing, healthy, and flavorful meal that offers all the deliciousness of pasta without the heaviness, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a lighter, healthier take on a classic seafood pasta.

Ingredients
- 2 zucchini large,
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to make zucchini noodles.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the shrimp and oil.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the pesto.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
lol shrimp + pesto? sounds weird but ok
I followed it exactly and it turned out bland. Maybe my pesto was mild? Salt/pepper to taste didn’t fix it enough for me.
Noodles from zukini? Nah, why would you even try this? Just eat normal pasta!
I get where you’re coming from, but this is actually a great low-carb alternative! 🍝
Zucchini noodles are gross! Just stick to real pasta, it tastes better.
Mine got watery 😅 I think I didn’t dry the zucchini enough before cooking. Flavor is still great with the pesto, but texture wasn’t as nice.
Honestly this sounds like dieting food. Like, where’s the sauce? The noodles were meh until I added extra pesto and pepper.
Honestly I thought it was bland too—my zucchini noodles needed more pesto and a little lemon. I added crushed red pepper and it tasted way better. Next time I’ll do the same.
I get what you mean about “dieting food,” but the shrimp + pesto definitely bring the flavor. The sauce is basically the pesto coating everything—especially if you let it toss for a bit.
5 stars! Perfect for my keto diet! Was super quick to make!
Super easy recipe! But I add like a ton more garlic. Yummm 🤤. If you love garlic, you gotta try that!
I don’t have a spiralizer. Can I just cut the zucchini with a knife? Help!
I don’t get why people love pesto so much, but ok this was actually pretty good. The shrimp + pesto combo is legit.
Pesto is great but I think you might wanna add garlic and lemon juice. Also shrimp takes longer than 2-3 minutes per side… unless they’re tiny. Either way sounds tasty.
Right?! I’m usually not a pesto person either, but the shrimp makes it taste way less “herby soap” lol. The timing matters too—zucchini noodles can go mushy fast.
I added garlic and some cherry tomatoes. It was a hit!
Garlic is good, but cherry tomatoes? I don’t know, seems like a weird combo for shrimp and pesto.
That sounds delicious! Garlic and cherry tomatoes would add great flavor! I should try that next time.
Zucchini Noodles + Shrimp = yum! I make this ALL the time! 🙂
Zoodles are weird. Why wouldn’t you just use regular noodles?
Zucchini noodles? Sounds weird. I didn’t even know you could spiralize a vegetable. I just used regular pasta and tossed some shrimp on it. #NotForMe
Could you use any other kind of sauce instead of pesto? I can’t find any right now.
I swear, zucchini noodles are the best! I didn’t even miss real pasta!!
I totally agree! Zucchini noodles are a game changer! 👏 They taste so fresh and guilt-free!
Really? I just can’t get over the texture. It feels too weird for me. I’ll stick with real pasta.
Not a fan. The zucchini was mushy and the shrimp didn’t have enough seasoning.
Easy and quick! Definitely making this again
Not sure if I trust these zucchini noodles… Looks too easy, bet it won’t be as good as regular pasta. 🤔
I loved how simple it was! The shrimp were juicy and the pesto made it taste so fresh. Will try with different toppings next time!
I don’t like veggies, but I tried this and was pleasantly surprised! Who knew? Zoodles, whoopee!
Wow, I’m glad you gave it a shot! Zoodles are the best way to sneak in those veggies without even noticing. Yum!
Um, isn’t pasta better than these zucchini things? Tried it, not for me.
Pretty tasty, but my shrimp cooked faster than the recipe said. Next time I’ll keep a closer eye—still delicious though.
I followed it exactly and it was kinda bland until I added more pepper and a tiny squeeze of lemon. Then suddenly it popped.
Shrimp turned out great! But the noodles were kinda bland, needed more flavor.
I’m glad the shrimp turned out well! Maybe try adding some garlic or parmesan to the noodles next time for extra flavor!
zucchini noodles are a fad. this recipe was ok tho. 🙂
I dunno, they don’t taste like real pasta. But this one was alright, I guess.
Zucchini noodles are awesome! They bring such a fresh taste. Love this recipe!
Turned out tasty, but my zucchini noodles got a little watery after tossing. Next time I’ll salt them lightly and pat dry before cooking.
So glad it was tasty! Yeah, zucchini can get watery if it sits too long or isn’t dried—salting and patting is a great move. I’ve also found cooking them closer to the very end helps too.
Loved it! I didn’t have shrimp, so I used chicken instead. Still turned out good!
This recipe is amazing! The shrimp was perfectly cooked with the pesto. Will definitely make again!
I tried this recipe last week and it was a total hit at my dinner party! Everyone loved it, thanks for sharing!
Sounds good, but shrimp always scares me a bit. What if I overcook it?
SO good! I used garlic pesto instead and it was delish! Everyone loved it.
Made this tonight and it was crazy good. The pesto really pulls everything together—fresh, garlicky, and not heavy at all.
I wish I had a spiralizer, can I use a peeler instead? 🤔
Nice and quick. 👍
I love zucchini noodles but I always worry they’ll get watery. Still turned out great—tossing for only a couple minutes helped a lot. Will make again!
I tried making this and my zucchini noodles ended up mushy. Not sure what I did wrong…
Meh, I prefer pasta. Zucchini noodles? No thanks!
I tried this and it was okay, but I feel like the pesto was too overpowering. Maybe less pesto next time?
This was super easy and delicious! My kids loved it. Will make again!
My kid refused to eat it. Zucchini noodles gross! Will stick with normal noodles next time.
Easy peasy, just how I like my recipes! Will definitely add to my weekly meal prep.
This was delicious! I never thought zucchini could replace pasta. My whole family loved it. Will definitely make again!
I thought it was too oily and the shrimp were not seasoned enough.
This recipe was amazing! The shrimp and pesto went so well together.
I dunno, the zucchini was too squishy for me. Not a fan.
I actually loved the zucchini! It adds a nice crunch if you don’t overcook it. Maybe try cooking it less next time?
Made this tonight and it was so fresh and light. The shrimp cooked perfectly in just a few minutes, and the pesto really brought it together.
The spiralizer tip is real—my julienne peeler was slower though. Still, the texture was nice and not mushy. Great weeknight meal.
I really wanted to like it, but the texture was weird. Kinda mushy! 😕
Zucchini noodles? Really? I usually stick to real pasta, but this was surprisingly good.
Too basic for me. Needs more spices!!
Basic? That’s the whole point! Not everything needs to be fancy. Just enjoy the fresh flavors!
I think the simplicity is part of its charm! You could always add your favorite spices if you want more flavor. 😊
Honestly, this looks dumb. Zucchini isn’t pasta and shrimp? No thanks. 1 star.
Zucchini noodles? Really? What’s wrong with real pasta? #NotImpressed
I added some garlic and it was fantastic! Great recipe for a healthy dinner.
This was so yummy! Easy to make and healthy too. I added some cherry tomatoes.
Sounds delicious! I love the addition of cherry tomatoes. Gotta try it!
I tried this too, but my noodles turned out soggy. What did I do wrong?
Zucchini noodles? Ehh, I’ll stick with regular pasta. This is just plants pretending to be noodles.
So easy and delicious! Never thought zucchini could taste this good! 🌱
LOL I accidentally put the pesto on before cooking the shrimp. Tasted weird but still edible 🙂
Ehhh. Zucchini noodles always get me—either they’re watery or mushy. This time mine were mushy even though I tried to time it right.
Maybe your zucchini was too soft or watery? I think you should salt the noodles first like 10 minutes then pat dry. That takes the liquid out. Also if the shrimp released a bunch of water, it’ll make the zoodles go soggy. My noodles come out better when I cook shrimp first and then do the zucchini fast.
Ugh I feel you—zoodles are super unpredictable. I’ve found the key is to use a quick high heat and not overcrowd the pan. Also, I toss them in at the end and pull them when they still feel a tiny bit firm—carryover cooking is real. Even 30 seconds too long can go mushy fast.
Yummmmm, I used basil pesto and it was divine! 10/10 recommend, guys!
I’ve got to try that! Basil pesto sounds amazing with shrimp. Thanks for the tip!
Yummy!!! Srsly gonna make this again! I added some garlic and lemon juice which made it even better!!
I don’t think zucchini can replace pasta, but it was okay. Might try again.
Not gonna lie, pesto + shrimp is a weird combo to me, but it actually slaps. Would make again for a weeknight dinner.
Good recipe but my shrimp turned out rubbery! 😩 Next time I’ll be quicker with the cooking.
The shrimp can definitely get rubbery if overcooked. Maybe try cooking them for just 1-2 minutes! 😊
Loved it! The shrimp and pesto combo is to die for. Will definitely make it again!
5 stars! I eat shrimp all the time but never thought of this combo. Genius!
I’m glad you loved it! Shrimp and pesto is a perfect match. Did you add anything extra?
I can’t believe people actually think this is a good substitute for pasta. It just doesn’t satisfy my carb cravings!
Hmm, didn’t have shrimp so I used chicken and it turned out fine. I don’t think Zoodles is my jam tho.
Glad you made it work with chicken! Zoodles can be tricky. Have you tried them with a different sauce?
Looks light but still satisfying. I was worried the zucchini would turn watery, but tossing it just until “just tender” saved it.
This is genius for low-carb! I subbed the pesto for a homemade basil-cashew sauce and it was delicious. Eating it felt like a cheat meal.
Totally agree—this tastes like real pasta even though it’s zucchini. The pesto makes it feel like a cheat meal for sure 😄
Loved this recipe! My kids didn’t even realize they were eating veggies!
This is life-changing! My kids loved it and didn’t even notice it was zucchini!! 😍
Wow, that’s awesome to hear! Zucchini noodles are such a great way to sneak in veggies! 🥒
I was skeptical about zucchini noodles staying “just tender,” but timing worked out. Mine were a tiny bit softer than I wanted though—still tasty.
Zucchini noodles? What are we, rabbits? 😂 No thanks!
I used pre-made spiralized zucchini and it turned out softer than expected. Still edible, but “just tender” is the key.
Good point—pre-made zoodles can be softer/wetter. I’ve learned to cook them fast (and don’t overdo the “2–3 minutes”). “Just tender” is exactly it!
I’m not much of a cook, but this was easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!
Are you sure it’s that easy? Cooking shrimp seems tricky to me. I always mess it up!
I’m glad you found it easy! Zucchini noodles are such a healthy alternative. What do you think about the taste?
This was so easy and delicious! My family loved it!
Pretty good, but I think 1/4 cup pesto might be a little low for my taste. I added extra and it tasted more like restaurant pesto shrimp.
Yum! So quick to make, just what I needed after a long day! 😊
Meh! Shrimp is scary, they look like bugs 😱. But my girlfriend loved it! I might just stick to cheese.
Not bad. But my shrimp took longer than 2-3 mins per side—could’ve been bigger ones. Also mine got a little soggy even though I didn’t overcook.
Maybe your pesto was too watery? 😅 I usually pat the shrimp dry first and I only cook the zucchini until it’s just warm—like 60-90 seconds. If you let it simmer, it turns mushy fast.
I totally agree—timing depends a lot on the shrimp size/thickness. I’ve noticed if they’re jumbo or thawed and a bit wet, 2–3 mins can be too short. Glad you didn’t overcook, though—soggy zucchini happens if they sit too long after cooking.
Pretty good, but my noodles were a bit too soft after 3 minutes. Next time I’ll do closer to 1-2 minutes and maybe salt the zucchini first.
Not bad, but I didn’t really like the texture of the zucchini noodles. Shrimp was good tho.
I totally get what you mean about the texture! Zucchini noodles can be a bit mushy if overcooked. Maybe try cooking them for a shorter time next time?
Zucchini noodles? Never heard of that. Can you even eat them like normal noodles? Sounds weird 🤔.
Was a good dish but you need to be careful not to overcook the shrimp 🤨
Absolutely! Overcooked shrimp is the worst. A good tip is to take them off the heat as soon as they turn pink! 🦐
Easy and quick! My kids loved it too! Perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
No offense, but I don’t think this is real cooking. Just throwin’ stuff in a pan. Simple.
Too much oil! Made it greasy. Next time I’ll use less olive oil!
Okay, but like, can we leave out the shrimp? It’s a lotta calories and I prefer veggie-only dishes.
THIS IS SO GOOD!!! My kids even ate their veggies. I’m a hero today!
That sounds amazing! I’m gonna try it for dinner tonight. Thanks for sharing!
I subbed chicken for shrimp (couldn’t find shrimp). Still worked, but I guess the flavor profile changed a bit. Would make again with shrimp.
Wait—ppl normally use shrimp for a reason 😅 But if it worked, cool. Did you cook the chicken longer than shrimp? I feel like 2-3 min would be too short.
Nice swap! Chicken will definitely change the flavor a bit, but I’m glad it still came out good. I’ll have to try that when shrimp’s not available.
I don’t know about this recipe. Zucchini noodles? I’ve never heard of that before. Can’t be better than real pasta.
I don’t really like shrimp, so I swapped it out for chicken. Still turned out great! Thanks for the inspiration!
Not a fan of zucchini noodles, prefer regular pasta. Shrimp was good though!
This was okay, but I expected more flavor. Shrimp kinda overcooked too.
Zucchini? Like the green booger looking veggie? Not for me lol.
I don’t have a spiralizer so I used a vegetable peeler and it worked. Kinda like ribbon noodles. Also, don’t overcook the shrimp—mine got slightly rubbery.
Wow, this recipe is amazing! The shrimp cooked perfectly and the pesto gave it so much flavor. Definitely making this again!
Not bad, but it felt a little bland for me. Salt and pepper “to taste” is vague—had to add extra seasoning and garlic to make it pop.
I tried this but my shrimp got burnt. 🤦♀️ Maybe better instructions next time?
I had the same problem! Maybe try cooking the shrimp on a lower heat. They cook fast! 🦐
Burnt shrimp? You probably left it too long. Just follow the time, it’s pretty simple! 😅
Can I use store-bought zucchini noodles? Ain’t nobody got time for spiralizing!
I followed it pretty closely and it came out great. My only tweak: I added a squeeze of lemon at the end—made the pesto pop.
1 pound shrimp seems like a lot—do you really need that much? I used about 12 oz and it was still good. Might be personal preference.
1 pound shrimp is a lot? I had to cook longer than 3 minutes a side because mine stayed translucent… maybe my pan wasn’t hot enough. But once it worked, it was good!
Tried this tonight—so fresh and light. The shrimp cooks up perfectly at 2–3 minutes per side, and the pesto makes it taste like way more effort than it was.
Too much olive oil maybe? Mine felt a little greasy even after tossing. I’d use less oil or maybe more pesto next time.
Yeah, I think 1 tbsp can be a bit much depending on how watery your zucchini is. Next time try using a little less oil and add pesto a spoon at a time until it looks glossy.
Super quick and easy. My kids devoured it! I would totally recommend it for busy nights.
Tried this tonight and my husband said it tasted like a restaurant dish! 🤤
That’s amazing! I love when recipes turn out restaurant-quality. What a compliment to the chef! 👩🍳
Super quick and easy, great for a weeknight meal! 🌟
Pesto + shrimp is a classic combo, so I expected it to work. It did. I’m giving full points because it’s quick and doesn’t taste healthy-diet-ish.
Yummm! I added some cherry tomatoes and it was amazing!!!
Interesting choice! Cherry tomatoes? I thought zoodles were supposed to be light. They might make it soggy.
That sounds delicious! I love the addition of cherry tomatoes. So bright and fresh!
I’m not sure about the zucchini. It’s like eating wet noodles. Should’ve just used regular pasta.
This was so delicious! The shrimp was perfect and the pesto made it pop. Will make again!
Looks good but shrimp? What if I’m allergic? Can I just use chicken?
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I tried it too, and the flavors really come together. 👍
I tried this and the zucchini noodles basically turned to mush 😭 maybe my heat was too high or my zucchini was extra watery. Still ate it, but not pretty.
The zucchini noodles came out watery for me. Maybe I didn’t pat the zucchini dry or I cooked too long. Flavor was fine!
Shrimp was perfect, but I honestly didn’t love the pesto amount. 1/4 cup felt a bit too strong for me—maybe I just had a salty pesto.
Glad the shrimp worked out! I totally get what you mean—1/4 cup pesto can hit pretty strong. I usually start with 2–3 tablespoons and add more to taste.
Yum! But is it really healthy? I feel like shrimp has a lot of cholesterol.
It’s true that shrimp can be high in cholesterol, but it’s also low in calories and packed with protein! Just enjoy it in moderation.
This was such a quick and easy recipe! I loved how light and fresh it tasted. Perfect for summer meals!
I don’t have a spiralizer, so I used a veggie peeler and it was still okay. Might cut thinner next time. Flavor is solid though.
Super easy. I’m not a cooking person and this was doable. Also my kid ate it without complaining which is basically a miracle lol.
Tried this tonight—so fast and honestly tastes fresh. The shrimp cooked perfectly in the 2-3 min per side window. I added a little extra pesto and it was killer.
Yummm! I added some red pepper flakes for a little kick, it was fire! 🔥
Ok but 2-3 minutes per side is too long for my shrimp—mine overcooked and got rubbery. Flavor great, timing needs adjustment.
Ugh, sorry that happened! I agree 2–3 min per side can be too much depending on the shrimp size. I usually do like 60–90 seconds per side (or until just opaque/pink). Maybe try medium heat too—high heat cooks them faster but can go rubbery fast.
Maybe you used frozen shrimp? Mine always takes longer but I keep an eye—once they curl and turn pink I yank ’em. 2-3 min per side sounds like a lot for small shrimp, so yeah, adjust the timing and don’t overcook.
These were super light but still satisfying. The shrimp cooks fast, and the pesto really makes it taste fancy. I’ll definitely make it again.
Totally agree—those zucchini noodles are so light but don’t feel like they’re missing anything. The pesto is the real “fancy” move here!
Pretty good! I used a julienne peeler and they still came out nice. Next time I might add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Nice! I love the idea of lemon—pesto can be a little rich. I’ll try a squeeze next time for sure.
My zucchini noodles always get watery… do you pat them dry or cook longer? Also I used regular noodles once and it was kinda weird lol.
Easy weeknight meal. The spiralizer step is kinda fun too (until your counter gets messy 😅).
The ingredient list is simple, which I love, but 1/4 cup pesto for a pound of shrimp felt a little low. I doubled it and it was better.