One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that feels like a treat, let me introduce you to my favorite dish: One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles. This recipe is not just easy to whip up, but it also bursts with flavor from fresh garlic and zesty lemon juice. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish brings everyone together around the table without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.

What makes this dish truly special is its vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients. You get the succulent shrimp paired with tender zucchini noodles, making it a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just want something comforting, this recipe fits the bill beautifully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of cooking time, you’ll be enjoying your meal in no time.
• Healthy and light: Packed with protein from the shrimp and nutrients from zucchini, it’s a guilt-free choice for dinner.
• One pan convenience: Less mess means more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up!
• Family-friendly: The flavors are mild yet delicious, making it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt the recipe based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is part of what makes cooking enjoyable! For this One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles, you won’t need anything fancy—just some fresh staples that come together beautifully.

For the main dish:

• 20 large shrimps (peeled and deveined)
• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3-4 garlic cloves (finely minced)
• ¼ tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you enjoy or have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast or firm tofu instead of shrimp for a different twist.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red chili flakes if you like a bit more heat in your dish.
• Try different herbs: Fresh basil or cilantro can give this dish a whole new flavor profile.

How to Make One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial as it sets the stage for all those lovely flavors to come together.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic

Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes into the skillet. Sauté them for about 40-60 seconds until fragrant. This step is essential because it infuses the oil with aromatic goodness that will coat your shrimp beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp

Now, toss in those beautiful shrimps along with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook them for about 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, take them out of the pan; they should be perfectly tender!

Step 4: Sauté Zucchini Noodles

In the same skillet with all that fabulous leftover oil and garlic flavor, add your zucchini noodles. Cook them on high heat for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender but still have a nice crunch. This keeps them vibrant and prevents them from getting mushy!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Finally, add salt and pepper to taste while mixing everything well. You can either toss the cooked shrimp back into the pan with zucchini noodles or serve them separately—whichever you prefer!

And there you have it! A delightful One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles ready to impress family or friends any day of the week! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles

Cooking can be a breeze when you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Here are some pro tips to ensure your One Pan Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles come out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp not only taste better but also cook more evenly. If fresh isn’t available, opt for frozen shrimp that’s been properly thawed.
• Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles: Cooking them just until tender ensures they retain some crunch and flavor. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and lose their appeal.
• Adjust the spice level: Feel free to increase or decrease the red chili flakes based on your spice tolerance. This helps cater the dish to your personal taste.
• Add more veggies: Consider throwing in other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition. This makes the dish even more vibrant and healthy!
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon: A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens up all the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles

Presentation is key when it comes to making any meal feel special! Here are some delightful ways to serve this tasty dish that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Finely chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add extra brightness according to their taste preferences.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover juices from the dish, making it a satisfying addition.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette complements the meal without overpowering it.
• Roasted Asparagus: The nutty flavor of roasted asparagus pairs wonderfully with shrimp while adding some green goodness to your plate.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a hint of lime provides a hearty yet healthy side option.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this quick and wholesome recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here are some practical tips for storing and reheating.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the shrimp and zucchini noodles into an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Although fresh zucchini noodles may lose their texture when frozen, you can freeze the shrimp separately.
• Place cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring you remove as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the zucchini noodles from drying out.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delightful dish, here are some common questions!

Can I use other types of noodles instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! While this recipe features zucchini noodles, you can swap them with whole wheat pasta or any gluten-free alternative you prefer.

How long does One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles take to prepare?

This flavorful dish takes just around 22 minutes total—10 minutes of prep time and 12 minutes of cooking time—making it a quick and easy option for lunch or dinner!

What other vegetables can I add to my One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles?

Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach would all make great additions to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare it in advance and store leftovers in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

Can I make this dish without shrimp?

Certainly! You can replace shrimp with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas if you prefer a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

I hope this One Pan Garlic Shrimp And Zucchini Noodles recipe finds a cozy spot on your dinner table! It’s not only delicious but also healthy and easy to whip up after a busy day. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with wonderful aromas!