Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy? Dive into the vibrant world of Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp! This delightful dish combines the freshness of zucchini noodles with succulent shrimp, all tossed in a rich and flavorful pesto sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to savor every bite and make this your new go-to dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Wash and trim the zucchini, then use a spiralizer to create long, thin noodles. Pat the zucchini noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 1-2 minutes, tossing gently to prevent overcooking. The noodles should remain slightly crisp.
- Reduce heat to low and add the pesto, gently tossing the zucchini noodles to coat evenly.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add halved cherry tomatoes, stirring to combine and warm through.
- Transfer the mixture to serving plates and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the fresh flavors of the pesto and the tender shrimp.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh zucchini and high-quality pesto. If you have time, consider making your own pesto for an extra special touch!
- Dry the Zucchini Noodles: After spiralizing your zucchini, pat the noodles dry with paper towels. This step helps prevent excess moisture, ensuring your dish remains vibrant and not soggy.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook; they should only take 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
- Maintain Crispness: Sauté the zucchini noodles quickly to keep them slightly crisp. They should be tender but still have a bit of bite for the best texture.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese! A generous sprinkle on top adds a wonderful creaminess that complements the dish beautifully.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, so be sure to serve it right after cooking for the ultimate flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 170mg
