Rating: 3.57
(117)

Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Pesto

August 8, 2023

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.

Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Pesto
Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Pesto
3.57 from 117 votes
A delicious and healthy recipe for zucchini noodles with shrimp and pesto.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 20gFat: 14gFiber: 2g
Calories: 230kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pesto, shrimp, shrimps, Zucchini, Zucchini Recipes
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 1 star
    Noodles from zukini? Nah, why would you even try this? Just eat normal pasta!

    1. User avatar felicidad.luettgen says:

      4 stars
      I get where you’re coming from, but this is actually a great low-carb alternative! 🍝

    2. User avatar lindsay.bartell says:

      2 stars
      Zucchini noodles are gross! Just stick to real pasta, it tastes better.

  2. 5 stars
    5 stars! Perfect for my keto diet! Was super quick to make!

  3. 4 stars
    Super easy recipe! But I add like a ton more garlic. Yummm 🤤. If you love garlic, you gotta try that!

  4. User avatar Dremora Lord says:

    3 stars
    I don’t have a spiralizer. Can I just cut the zucchini with a knife? Help!

  5. User avatar ferdinand.dibbert1992 says:

    4 stars
    I added garlic and some cherry tomatoes. It was a hit!

    1. 2 stars
      Garlic is good, but cherry tomatoes? I don’t know, seems like a weird combo for shrimp and pesto.

    2. User avatar sammy.rolfson says:

      5 stars
      That sounds delicious! Garlic and cherry tomatoes would add great flavor! I should try that next time.

  6. User avatar Lanell Mueller says:

    5 stars
    Zucchini Noodles + Shrimp = yum! I make this ALL the time! 🙂

  7. User avatar Super Saiyan Vegeta says:

    1 star
    Zoodles are weird. Why wouldn’t you just use regular noodles?

  8. User avatar tyrone.stroman1989 says:

    2 stars
    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

  9. User avatar alpha.kilback14 says:

    3 stars
    Could you use any other kind of sauce instead of pesto? I can’t find any right now.

  10. 4 stars
    I swear, zucchini noodles are the best! I didn’t even miss real pasta!!

    1. User avatar kandis.hayes says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! Zucchini noodles are a game changer! 👏 They taste so fresh and guilt-free!

    2. User avatar marva.bradtke75 says:

      2 stars
      Really? I just can’t get over the texture. It feels too weird for me. I’ll stick with real pasta.

  11. User avatar marlyn.wuckert5 says:

    2 stars
    Not a fan. The zucchini was mushy and the shrimp didn’t have enough seasoning.

  12. User avatar debbra.ernser says:

    5 stars
    Easy and quick! Definitely making this again

    1. User avatar rebecka.kemmer12 says:

      2 stars
      Not sure if I trust these zucchini noodles… Looks too easy, bet it won’t be as good as regular pasta. 🤔

    2. User avatar Charles Darwin says:

      5 stars
      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!

  13. User avatar winford.zemlak says:

    4 stars
    I don’t like veggies, but I tried this and was pleasantly surprised! Who knew? Zoodles, whoopee!

    1. 5 stars
      Wow, I’m glad you gave it a shot! Zoodles are the best way to sneak in those veggies without even noticing. Yum!

  14. 2 stars
    Um, isn’t pasta better than these zucchini things? Tried it, not for me.

  15. 3 stars
    Shrimp turned out great! But the noodles were kinda bland, needed more flavor.

    1. User avatar Septimus says:

      4 stars
      I’m glad the shrimp turned out well! Maybe try adding some garlic or parmesan to the noodles next time for extra flavor!

  16. User avatar devin.okuneva95 says:

    2 stars
    zucchini noodles are a fad. this recipe was ok tho. 🙂

    1. User avatar alysa.sauer2007 says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, they don’t taste like real pasta. But this one was alright, I guess.

    2. User avatar winfred.runolfsdottir38 says:

      5 stars
      Zucchini noodles are awesome! They bring such a fresh taste. Love this recipe!

  17. User avatar lala.kris31 says:

    4 stars
    Loved it! I didn’t have shrimp, so I used chicken instead. Still turned out good!

  18. User avatar tresa.gislason says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The shrimp was perfectly cooked with the pesto. Will definitely make again!

    1. User avatar Bowerick Wowbagger says:

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe last week and it was a total hit at my dinner party! Everyone loved it, thanks for sharing!

    2. 3 stars
      Sounds good, but shrimp always scares me a bit. What if I overcook it?

  19. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

    5 stars
    SO good! I used garlic pesto instead and it was delish! Everyone loved it.

  20. User avatar ozzie.stiedemann71 says:

    3 stars
    I wish I had a spiralizer, can I use a peeler instead? 🤔

  21. 2 stars
    I tried making this and my zucchini noodles ended up mushy. Not sure what I did wrong…

  22. User avatar wyatt.mayer31 says:

    1 star
    Meh, I prefer pasta. Zucchini noodles? No thanks!

  23. 3 stars
    I tried this and it was okay, but I feel like the pesto was too overpowering. Maybe less pesto next time?

  24. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy and delicious! My kids loved it. Will make again!

  25. 2 stars
    My kid refused to eat it. Zucchini noodles gross! Will stick with normal noodles next time.

  26. User avatar patrica.bartoletti39 says:

    4 stars
    Easy peasy, just how I like my recipes! Will definitely add to my weekly meal prep.

  27. User avatar darrell.hackett45 says:

    5 stars
    This was delicious! I never thought zucchini could replace pasta. My whole family loved it. Will definitely make again!

  28. User avatar mathWizard says:

    2 stars
    I thought it was too oily and the shrimp were not seasoned enough.

  29. 5 stars
    This recipe was amazing! The shrimp and pesto went so well together.

  30. 2 stars
    I dunno, the zucchini was too squishy for me. Not a fan.

    1. 5 stars
      I actually loved the zucchini! It adds a nice crunch if you don’t overcook it. Maybe try cooking it less next time?

  31. User avatar Mr. Write says:

    2 stars
    I really wanted to like it, but the texture was weird. Kinda mushy! 😕

  32. 4 stars
    Zucchini noodles? Really? I usually stick to real pasta, but this was surprisingly good.

  33. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    2 stars
    Too basic for me. Needs more spices!!

    1. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

      3 stars
      Basic? That’s the whole point! Not everything needs to be fancy. Just enjoy the fresh flavors!

    2. 4 stars
      I think the simplicity is part of its charm! You could always add your favorite spices if you want more flavor. 😊

  34. 1 star
    Honestly, this looks dumb. Zucchini isn’t pasta and shrimp? No thanks. 1 star.

  35. 1 star
    Zucchini noodles? Really? What’s wrong with real pasta? #NotImpressed

  36. User avatar Owen Moore says:

    5 stars
    I added some garlic and it was fantastic! Great recipe for a healthy dinner.

  37. User avatar wilson.mohr38 says:

    5 stars
    This was so yummy! Easy to make and healthy too. I added some cherry tomatoes.

    1. 5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I love the addition of cherry tomatoes. Gotta try it!

    2. User avatar Annalee Nader says:

      3 stars
      I tried this too, but my noodles turned out soggy. What did I do wrong?

  38. User avatar paris.goodwin says:

    2 stars
    Zucchini noodles? Ehh, I’ll stick with regular pasta. This is just plants pretending to be noodles.

  39. User avatar merilyn.cummings says:

    5 stars
    So easy and delicious! Never thought zucchini could taste this good! 🌱

  40. User avatar sean.hudson25 says:

    3 stars
    LOL I accidentally put the pesto on before cooking the shrimp. Tasted weird but still edible 🙂

  41. User avatar ahmad.zulauf says:

    5 stars
    Yummmmm, I used basil pesto and it was divine! 10/10 recommend, guys!

    1. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

      5 stars
      I’ve got to try that! Basil pesto sounds amazing with shrimp. Thanks for the tip!

  42. 5 stars
    Yummy!!! Srsly gonna make this again! I added some garlic and lemon juice which made it even better!!

  43. 3 stars
    I don’t think zucchini can replace pasta, but it was okay. Might try again.

  44. 3 stars
    Good recipe but my shrimp turned out rubbery! 😩 Next time I’ll be quicker with the cooking.

    1. User avatar damian.ziemann says:

      4 stars
      The shrimp can definitely get rubbery if overcooked. Maybe try cooking them for just 1-2 minutes! 😊

  45. User avatar Dwarven Shpere says:

    5 stars
    Loved it! The shrimp and pesto combo is to die for. Will definitely make it again!

  46. User avatar lamont.altenwerth36 says:

    5 stars
    5 stars! I eat shrimp all the time but never thought of this combo. Genius!

    1. User avatar shari.labadie0 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you loved it! Shrimp and pesto is a perfect match. Did you add anything extra?

  47. User avatar elton.hills says:

    2 stars
    I can’t believe people actually think this is a good substitute for pasta. It just doesn’t satisfy my carb cravings!

  48. 3 stars
    Hmm, didn’t have shrimp so I used chicken and it turned out fine. I don’t think Zoodles is my jam tho.

    1. User avatar benito.ferry2009 says:

      4 stars
      Glad you made it work with chicken! Zoodles can be tricky. Have you tried them with a different sauce?

  49. User avatar darrick.vonrueden says:

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe! My kids didn’t even realize they were eating veggies!

  50. User avatar lanelle.shanahan87 says:

    5 stars
    This is life-changing! My kids loved it and didn’t even notice it was zucchini!! 😍

    1. User avatar sherlyn.mraz43 says:

      5 stars
      Wow, that’s awesome to hear! Zucchini noodles are such a great way to sneak in veggies! 🥒

  51. 1 star
    Zucchini noodles? What are we, rabbits? 😂 No thanks!

  52. User avatar ivan.zboncak36 says:

    4 stars
    I’m not much of a cook, but this was easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!

    1. User avatar jamie.okon59 says:

      2 stars
      Are you sure it’s that easy? Cooking shrimp seems tricky to me. I always mess it up!

    2. User avatar adriane.morissette says:

      4 stars
      I’m glad you found it easy! Zucchini noodles are such a healthy alternative. What do you think about the taste?

  53. 5 stars
    This was so easy and delicious! My family loved it!

  54. 5 stars
    Yum! So quick to make, just what I needed after a long day! 😊

  55. User avatar lester.boyer85 says:

    1 star
    Meh! Shrimp is scary, they look like bugs 😱. But my girlfriend loved it! I might just stick to cheese.

  56. User avatar miyoko.murazik50 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but I didn’t really like the texture of the zucchini noodles. Shrimp was good tho.

    1. 4 stars
      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?

  57. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

    1 star
    Zucchini noodles? Never heard of that. Can you even eat them like normal noodles? Sounds weird 🤔.

  58. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    4 stars
    Was a good dish but you need to be careful not to overcook the shrimp 🤨

    1. 5 stars
      Absolutely! Overcooked shrimp is the worst. A good tip is to take them off the heat as soon as they turn pink! 🦐

  59. User avatar dawna.becker1970 says:

    4 stars
    Easy and quick! My kids loved it too! Perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

  60. User avatar shona.roob1988 says:

    1 star
    No offense, but I don’t think this is real cooking. Just throwin’ stuff in a pan. Simple.

  61. User avatar tiera.ledner says:

    3 stars
    Too much oil! Made it greasy. Next time I’ll use less olive oil!

  62. User avatar Tricia McMillan says:

    3 stars
    Okay, but like, can we leave out the shrimp? It’s a lotta calories and I prefer veggie-only dishes.

  63. User avatar hosea.hagenes says:

    5 stars
    THIS IS SO GOOD!!! My kids even ate their veggies. I’m a hero today!

    1. User avatar deangelo.monahan26 says:

      5 stars
      That sounds amazing! I’m gonna try it for dinner tonight. Thanks for sharing!

  64. User avatar bob.heller57 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about this recipe. Zucchini noodles? I’ve never heard of that before. Can’t be better than real pasta.

  65. User avatar illa.johnston says:

    4 stars
    I don’t really like shrimp, so I swapped it out for chicken. Still turned out great! Thanks for the inspiration!

  66. User avatar clemente.carroll2021 says:

    3 stars
    Not a fan of zucchini noodles, prefer regular pasta. Shrimp was good though!

  67. 3 stars
    This was okay, but I expected more flavor. Shrimp kinda overcooked too.

  68. User avatar brigitte.graham13 says:

    1 star
    Zucchini? Like the green booger looking veggie? Not for me lol.

  69. User avatar Dr. Maura Bergstrom says:

    5 stars
    Wow, this recipe is amazing! The shrimp cooked perfectly and the pesto gave it so much flavor. Definitely making this again!

  70. 2 stars
    I tried this but my shrimp got burnt. 🤦‍♀️ Maybe better instructions next time?

    1. User avatar clelia.krajcik33 says:

      4 stars
      I had the same problem! Maybe try cooking the shrimp on a lower heat. They cook fast! 🦐

    2. 3 stars
      Burnt shrimp? You probably left it too long. Just follow the time, it’s pretty simple! 😅

  71. 3 stars
    Can I use store-bought zucchini noodles? Ain’t nobody got time for spiralizing!

  72. User avatar israel.cole41 says:

    4 stars
    Super quick and easy. My kids devoured it! I would totally recommend it for busy nights.

  73. User avatar jeffry.zulauf3 says:

    5 stars
    Tried this tonight and my husband said it tasted like a restaurant dish! 🤤

    1. User avatar domitila.schroeder12 says:

      5 stars
      That’s amazing! I love when recipes turn out restaurant-quality. What a compliment to the chef! 👩‍🍳

  74. 5 stars
    Super quick and easy, great for a weeknight meal! 🌟

  75. User avatar isaiah.lubowitz78 says:

    4 stars
    Yummm! I added some cherry tomatoes and it was amazing!!!

    1. User avatar dessie.parker2003 says:

      2 stars
      Interesting choice! Cherry tomatoes? I thought zoodles were supposed to be light. They might make it soggy.

    2. User avatar karolyn.greenfelder6 says:

      5 stars
      That sounds delicious! I love the addition of cherry tomatoes. So bright and fresh!

  76. User avatar barbra.steuber10 says:

    2 stars
    I’m not sure about the zucchini. It’s like eating wet noodles. Should’ve just used regular pasta.

  77. User avatar takako.cummerata23 says:

    5 stars
    This was so delicious! The shrimp was perfect and the pesto made it pop. Will make again!

    1. User avatar Draugr Scourge says:

      3 stars
      Looks good but shrimp? What if I’m allergic? Can I just use chicken?

    2. User avatar alice.spencer66 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you enjoyed it! I tried it too, and the flavors really come together. 👍

  78. User avatar mozell.denesik69 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! But is it really healthy? I feel like shrimp has a lot of cholesterol.

    1. User avatar Thanatos says:

      4 stars
      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.

  79. User avatar Arwen Evenstar says:

    5 stars
    This was such a quick and easy recipe! I loved how light and fresh it tasted. Perfect for summer meals!

  80. 5 stars
    Yummm! I added some red pepper flakes for a little kick, it was fire! 🔥

3.57 from 117 votes
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