Pass the Health

A Fresh and Nutritious Dinner Option

Looking for a delicious and nutritious dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare? Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp is the perfect choice! This dish combines the freshness of zucchini noodles with the bold flavors of homemade pesto and succulent shrimp. It’s a great low-carb, high-protein meal that’s both filling and satisfying.

The combination of zucchini noodles, shrimp, and pesto creates a healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. It’s ideal for anyone looking to cut down on carbs while still enjoying a flavorful and hearty meal. Plus, this dish is quick to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Why Zucchini Noodles with PestWhy Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp Is a Great Choice

This dish is more than just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients that promote a healthy lifestyle:

Zucchini: Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you full longer. It’s also rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and promoting healthy skin.
Shrimp: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps with muscle building and recovery. It’s also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Pesto: The pesto, made from fresh basil, almonds, and Parmesan cheese, is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, which promote heart health and help protect against oxidative stress. Almonds also provide a great source of vitamin E, which supports healthy skin.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is known for its monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory. It also helps the pesto come together, adding flavor and richness to the dish.
Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice enhances the freshness of the pesto and adds a burst of vitamin C, further supporting immune health.

These ingredients combine to make a protein-rich, low-carb, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for anyone following a healthy lifestyle or trying to reduce their carb intake.

For more information on the health benefits of zucchini and shrimp, check out this article from Healthline: The Benefits of Zucchini and Shrimp.

Ingredients for Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp

For the Pesto:

1 cup fresh basil, packed
3 tbsp water
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp almonds
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

For the Shrimp and Zucchini:

1.33 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 zucchini, cut into noodles (using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler)

How to Make Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp: Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Pesto
Add the first nine ingredients (basil, water, Parmesan cheese, almonds, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper) to a food processor. Pulse until combined and the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside. You can add extra flavor to the shrimp by seasoning with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or any of your favorite spice blends.
Cook the Zucchini Noodles
Add the zucchini noodles to the same pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Avoid overcooking them to maintain their texture.
Combine Everything
Stir in the cooked shrimp and the homemade pesto. Toss everything together to ensure the zucchini noodles are well-coated with the pesto.
Serve
Serve the dish immediately and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

This Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or a healthy lunch. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with protein, making it a great low-carb meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 280 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 25%
Vitamin C: 50%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 15%

This dish provides an excellent balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it a great option for anyone looking for a filling yet light meal.

Why You Should Try Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner option, this Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp recipe is the perfect choice! The combination of protein-rich shrimp, fresh zucchini noodles, and homemade pesto makes for a meal that’s full of flavor and nutrients.

This recipe is perfect for anyone on a low-carb or gluten-free diet and is easy to customize based on your preferences. Add extra vegetables, switch up the nuts in the pesto, or sprinkle on some extra cheese for a richer taste! For another low-carb option, you can try this Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado & Lime.

Try Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp Today!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Feel free to leave a comment with any tweaks you made or share your version on Instagram and tag me—I love seeing your creations!

Did you try this Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrimp recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments or see your beautiful creation on Instagram!

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Shrim

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 9

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

For the Pesto:
1 cup fresh basil packed
3 tbsp water
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp almonds
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Shrimp and Zucchini:
1.33 lbs shrimp peeled and deveined
4 zucchini cut into noodles (using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler)

Instructions

Make the Pesto
Add the first nine ingredients (basil, water, Parmesan cheese, almonds, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper) to a food processor. Pulse until combined and the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside. You can add extra flavor to the shrimp by seasoning with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or any of your favorite spice blends.
Cook the Zucchini Noodles
Add the zucchini noodles to the same pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Avoid overcooking them to maintain their texture.
Combine Everything
Stir in the cooked shrimp and the homemade pesto. Toss everything together to ensure the zucchini noodles are well-coated with the pesto.
Serve
Serve the dish immediately and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.