Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and quick weeknight dinner? Look no further! This Clean Eating Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles is the perfect recipe for you. It's packed with flavor, bursting with fresh ingredients, and surprisingly easy to make. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to a guilt-free, satisfying meal that's ready in under 20 minutes! This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and easy recipes that don’t compromise on taste. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized or julienned into noodles
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Zucchini: If using whole zucchini, spiralize or julienne them into noodles using a vegetable peeler or spiralizer. Set aside.
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Sauté Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced. If omitting wine, skip this step.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly softened but still slightly firm. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Add Shrimp and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine with the zucchini noodles and sauce. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and lemon juice make a big difference in the flavor of this dish.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add some cooked chicken or chickpeas to the dish.
Variations:
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spaghetti Squash: Substitute spaghetti squash for zucchini noodles for a different texture and flavor.
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or light cream cheese at the end for a creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This clean eating shrimp scampi is a fantastic example of a delicious and healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Enjoy this best recipe and feel free to experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination of flavors! It’s a simple and healthy addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Remember to always prioritize fresh ingredients for the best possible taste and nutritional value in your homemade cooking.