Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

Why This Is Strictly Keto

Classic shrimp scampi is made with pasta — this version replaces it entirely with spiralized zucchini, cutting the carb count to almost zero. The garlic butter lemon sauce is naturally keto. Each serving delivers just 1–2g net carbs from the zucchini.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup chicken broth (no added sugar)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the zoodles: Spiralize zucchini into noodles. Toss lightly with salt and let sit in a colander for 5–10 minutes. Squeeze out the excess moisture with paper towels — this is critical for a non-watery sauce.

2. Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the scampi sauce: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.

4. Add remaining butter: Off the heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk until melted and emulsified into the sauce. Stir in lemon zest.

5. Combine: Return shrimp to the pan. Add zucchini noodles and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for just 1–2 minutes over medium heat — no longer, or the zoodles will get watery.

6. Serve: Plate immediately, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approximate)

Tips

• The most important step is drying the zucchini noodles thoroughly — skipping this results in a watery sauce.
• Do not overcook the shrimp; as soon as they curl and turn pink, they are done.
• Chicken broth replaces the white wine traditionally used in scampi — it keeps the dish clean and keto without sacrificing depth.