This paleo shrimp scampi is packed with flavor and perfect tossed with zucchini noodles! Prep your zoodles ahead of time for a quick, easy, and wildly delicious gluten-free, paleo, keto, and Whole30 compliant dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
You know how your super picky kids who live on the same 2-3 foods at home will try/eat new foods when you’re not around?
Two out of three of my kids are notorious for this crazy-making behavior. I still haven’t figured this one out after nearly 11 years of parenting, and truly doubt I ever will. But anyway…
Adam and I were away for a full 24 hours about a month ago and my sister and brother in law took the kids to a hibachi grill for dinner. Hey, there’s always white rice if no one likes anything else, right?!
Anyway, Drew, my pickiest eater even at the ripe old age of 7, tried shrimp that night – like actual non-breaded shrimp, and decided he LOVED it.
I was skeptical, to say the least. The last thing I need is to buy a whole bunch of expensive shrimp, peel it and cook it, only to have it rejected in the end.
Been there and done that many times – not a fan! So, I figured instead of making it just for him, I’d create a recipe for the blog, and then let him try some and see what happens.
So yes, that’s where the shrimp scampi comes in! In truth, if you like shrimp at all you’re going to LOVE shrimp that’s buttery, garlicky and doused with lemon, don’t you think?
It’s the best way to eat its in my opinion, so I’m thankful that the inspiration fell in my lap! Now when I think about shrimp scampi, I think about pasta (and bread too, just being honest!) so I knew some sort of noodles had to be in the picture here.
I think zucchini noodles do the best here, but I can also see spaghetti squash fans going that way too. With both options, you’re also keeping it low carb, keto and Whole30 friendly as well!
As always with zoodles, you’re going to want to “sweat” them thoroughly before cooking and tossing with the shrimp and sauce, since the sauce we have here is thin to begin with.
Don’t worry, sweating the zoodles isn’t difficult at all and actually requires no effort on your part – just salt the zoodles in a colander and allow them to do their thing. After about 30 minutes, you squeeze lots of water out and proceed! It really helps avoid those watery zoodles that drive everyone nuts.
Check out the recipe below for detailed instructions on sweating the zoodles (as well as the recipe itself, of course!)
So, did he like the shrimp?! YES! As it turns out, Drew actually does like shrimp, although he’s definitely not a fan of zucchini yet!
One thing at a time – I won’t be pushing that one anytime soon…maybe next time my sister baby-sits she’ll do a zucchini farm (haha) with them.
I hope you’re ready for a super tasty, flavor packed dinner (or lunch!) that’s quick to throw together (just sweat those zoodles ahead of time) and just happens to be gluten free, paleo, keto and Whole30 compliant. Okay, let’s get cooking!
Paleo Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles {Whole30, Keto}
Paleo Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles {Whole30}
This paleo shrimp scampi is packed with flavor and perfect tossed with zucchini noodles! Prep your zoodles ahead of time for a quick, easy, and wildly delicious gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant dinner that's ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1/4 cup ghee or grass-fed butter if not Whole30
- 1/3 cup chicken bone broth
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- large pinch red pepper flakes or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt or to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup parsley minced
- 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 4 zucchini medium, spiralized and sweat*
- 1/2-3/4 tsp sea salt for sweating zucchini
- Olive oil for sautéing zoodles
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the ghee or butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds. minute.
- Add broth, salt, red pepper flakes and black pepper and bring to a simmer. Allow broth to reduce y about half, cooking for 2 minutes or so.
- Add shrimp and sauté until opaque and pink, about 3-4 minutes depending on size.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and parsley, then toss with the prepared zucchini noodles (see below)
- After sweating zucchini noodles*, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the zoodles, using tongs to stir for even cooking, about 2 minutes for “al dente”. Toss with the shrimp scampi and serve immediately - enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*To “sweat” the zucchini noodles, place it in a collander, then place the collander over a bowl. Sprinkle with the salt and allow it to sit that way for at least 20 minutes - the longer it sits, the more water is drawn out. After the 20 mins or longer, squeeze all the water out with paper towels. You’re now ready to cook your zoodles!
Nutrition
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Want More Whole30 Dinner Recipes? Try One of These!
Citrus Grilled Shrimp with Zoodles
Zucchini Pasta with Chicken and Scallion Avocado Sauce
Zucchini Noodles with Sausage Tomato Cream Sauce
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.amazing recipe. thanks. I will follow your blog.
Simply A-MA-ZING!
This recipe was SO DELISH! I didn’t have zucchini so I used spaghetti squash. My family LOVED it ❤️
Oh awesome! Thrilled you all loved it 🙂
Thank you for this great recipe. I had never tried to eat zucchini like this. I loved how I could taste the lemon without having the acidity effect. I added small chicken breast pieces as well for those who don’t like shrimp in my family.
Made this twice now and I absolutely love it!! Delicious as is but I added mushrooms and love it too ??
This is unbelieveably good, I did add mushrooms thinly sliced and some diced up tomato. I will make this tons. Easy compliant Whole 30 meal.
Very good, used half the amount of butter too.
It was Ana omg I would just use a little less salt but That’s because I don’t like salt very much. It was fantastic and I can’t wait to make it again. Super easy too.
Delicious! We used spaghetti squash. It will go into our regular rotation.
So delicious! I used cilantro instead of parsley (all I had) bit still amazing! Thank you for a new family staple!
Delicious! Love how the zucchini absorbs the sauce!