Around Valentine’s Day, I always find myself craving something both decadent and healthy. It’s a tricky balance! That’s why I created this Valentine’s low carb shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and won’t derail your healthy eating goals. This recipe is so quick, you can easily whip it up on a weeknight or for a special occasion. Get ready to learn how to make restaurant-quality shrimp scampi at home, completely guilt-free and with a creamy, dreamy twist.
Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Low Carb Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This isn’t your average shrimp scampi! The secret to this recipe is a touch of cream cheese or mascarpone. This addition transforms the sauce into something truly special.
Creamy Dreamy: The cream cheese or mascarpone adds an incredible richness and creaminess, mimicking the indulgence of traditional scampi without the carbs.
Romantic Dinner: It’s the perfect meal for a cozy and romantic Valentine’s Day dinner for two.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both low-carb and keto-friendly.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons))
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined with tails on (fresh or frozen and thawed))
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth ( or white wine)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 pounds zucchini noodles (from about 4 medium zucchini)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Shrimp: I recommend using large shrimp for the best texture, but medium shrimp will also work. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed. Peel and devein them, leaving the tails on or off, depending on your preference. You can learn more about the nutritional value of shrimp on WebMD.
Zucchini Noodles: To save time, you can buy pre-made zucchini noodles. Alternatively, use a spiralizer to make your own. Check out resources online for instructions on ‘How to spiralize zucchini’. For the best zoodles, don’t overcrowd the pan and pat them dry before cooking.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Chicken Broth/White Wine: If you’re using white wine, Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. Chicken broth offers a delicious alcohol-free alternative. The wine will add a touch of acidity and complexity, while the broth provides a savory depth.
Cream Cheese/Mascarpone: Both cream cheese and mascarpone work beautifully in this recipe. Mascarpone has a slightly sweeter flavor, adding a delicate touch to the sauce. If you’re curious about the differences between these cheeses, Allrecipes provides a helpful comparison.
How to Make Valentine’s Low Carb Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shallot and cook until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds. The aroma of the garlic and shallots filling your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes, until the shrimp are beginning to cook but are still somewhat translucent. You’ll notice the shrimp turning from gray to a beautiful pink color as they cook.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Add the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, just until the shrimp are completely opaque and cooked through. The vibrant lemon aroma will awaken your senses!
Step 4: Add the Zucchini Noodles
Stir in the zucchini noodles and parsley. Toss the noodles with the shrimp so that they are coated with the garlic-lemon sauce and heat just until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the zucchini noodles, or they will become mushy.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone, until melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens, creating a luscious, creamy sauce that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Step 6: Serve
Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Prevent Watery Zucchini Noodles
Watery zucchini noodles can ruin an otherwise perfect dish. Here’s how to prevent them from becoming soggy:
Salting: Salting zucchini noodles draws out excess moisture. Toss the zoodles with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes before cooking. Rinse and pat dry before adding them to the skillet.
Blotting: Use paper towels to blot the zucchini noodles dry before cooking. This helps remove surface moisture that can lead to a watery dish.
High Heat: Cooking over medium-high heat helps evaporate excess moisture quickly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the pan, which traps moisture and steams the zucchini noodles instead of sautéing them. Cook in batches if necessary.
Pre-cook Zoodles: Pre-cook the zoodles in the microwave to remove excess moisture before adding them to the pan.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the lemon juice (optional).
- Use a microplane to zest the lemon for the finest zest.
- The Cream Cheese Secret: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the sauce for smooth integration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the zucchini noodles (they become mushy).
- Using too much liquid (the sauce becomes watery).
- Not using enough garlic (the flavor is bland).
- Burning the garlic (it becomes bitter).
- Overcooking the shrimp.
- Forgetting the lemon zest (it adds brightness).
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
- Serve with Oven Roasted Asparagus for a complete and healthy meal.
- A simple side salad complements the richness of the scampi.
- Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. You can also microwave it, but the texture may change slightly.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the zucchini noodles will become mushy upon thawing.
Conclusion
This low-carb shrimp scampi recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special Valentine’s Day meal. The creamy texture from the cream cheese or mascarpone elevates it to a restaurant-quality dish, while the zucchini noodles keep it light and healthy. I’m confident that this recipe is foolproof and perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Try adding different herbs or other vegetables to customize it to your liking. Print this recipe or share it with your friends and enjoy!
Want to complete your Valentine’s day dinner? Then you should try this amazing Heart Shaped Strawberry Mousse Valentines Delight
FAQ
How do you make shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles?
Briefly, you sauté shrimp with garlic and shallots, then add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zucchini noodles, finishing with cream cheese or mascarpone for a creamy sauce.
How can I make this recipe low carb?
This recipe uses zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta, making it a naturally low-carb option.
How do I keep zucchini noodles from being watery?
Refer to the “How to Prevent Watery Zucchini Noodles” section for detailed tips on salting, blotting, and cooking techniques.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi and zucchini noodles?
See the “Serving Ideas” section for suggestions like roasted asparagus, side salads, and crusty bread.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.
How do I store and reheat shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles?
Refer to the “Storage and Make-Ahead” section for instructions on refrigerating and reheating leftovers.
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Valentine’s Low Carb Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the shallot and cook until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add the shrimp, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Sauté for 3 minutes, until the shrimp are beginning to cook but are still somewhat translucent.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, just until the shrimp are completely opaque and cooked through.
- Stir in the zucchini noodles and parsley.
- Toss the noodles with the shrimp so that they are coated with the garlic-lemon sauce and heat just until warmed through.
- Be careful not to overcook the zucchini noodles, or they will become mushy.
- Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone, until melted and smooth.
- Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Lia Monet is a food blogger, recipe developer, and the founder of EasyAsMeals, a food blog focused on easy recipes, quick dinners, and everyday home cooking. She creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients to help busy families cook affordable and delicious meals at home.
