Rating: 3.70
(52)

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
3.70 from 52 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. 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.

  3. User avatar Lanell Mueller says:

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

  4. 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.

  5. User avatar marlyn.wuckert5 says:

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

  6. 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!

  7. 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!

  8. 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!

  9. 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?

  10. User avatar ozzie.stiedemann71 says:

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

  11. User avatar wyatt.mayer31 says:

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

  12. User avatar patrica.bartoletti39 says:

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

  13. User avatar mathWizard says:

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

  14. 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?

  15. User avatar Mr. Write says:

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

  16. User avatar Owen Moore says:

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

  17. User avatar paris.goodwin says:

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

  18. User avatar merilyn.cummings says:

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

  19. 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!

  20. 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?

  21. User avatar darrick.vonrueden says:

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

  22. 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! 🥒

  23. 1 star
    Zucchini noodles? What are we, rabbits? 😂 No thanks!

  24. 5 stars
    This was so easy and delicious! My family loved it!

  25. 5 stars
    Yum! So quick to make, just what I needed after a long day! 😊

  26. 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?

  27. User avatar dawna.becker1970 says:

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

  28. 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.

  29. 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!

  30. 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!

  31. User avatar clemente.carroll2021 says:

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

  32. 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!

  33. 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! 😅

  34. 3 stars
    Can I use store-bought zucchini noodles? Ain’t nobody got time for spiralizing!

3.70 from 52 votes
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