Save to Pinterest Picture this: succulent shrimp swimming in a velvety garlic cream sauce, complemented by the vibrant colors of wilted spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, all nestled atop a bed of tender zucchini noodles. This Keto Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles brings the flavors of Tuscany to your dinner table in just 30 minutes, without the carb overload of traditional pasta dishes.
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This Tuscan-inspired dish transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal that feels indulgent while keeping carbs in check. The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates a sauce so luxurious you'll forget you're eating a health-conscious dish. The zucchini noodles provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that creamy goodness while adding a fresh element to balance the richness.
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 1½ cups (45 g) fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried Italian herbs
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan, for serving
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- Prepare the shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian herbs.
- Cook the shrimp
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Start the sauce
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Create the cream sauce
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate the spinach
- Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
- Return the shrimp
- Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce.
- Add zucchini noodles
- Add zucchini noodles and toss gently until just warmed through, 2–3 minutes. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
- Final seasoning
- Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
The key to perfect zucchini noodles is avoiding overcooking. They should retain a slight bite to prevent the dish from becoming watery. If you're using a spiralizer with different blade options, the medium thickness works best for this dish. For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the garlic, allowing it to reduce before adding the cream.
This versatile dish can be adapted in numerous ways. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan. Chicken can replace shrimp for those with shellfish allergies—simply cut into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time accordingly. For extra vegetables, add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the sun-dried tomatoes. If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a minced fresh chili.
Serve this luxurious shrimp dish in warmed bowls to keep the sauce at the perfect temperature. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes an excellent accompaniment, adding freshness to balance the richness of the cream sauce. For non-keto guests, offer crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the flavors in this dish, enhancing the dining experience.
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This Keto Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is more than just a low-carb alternative to pasta—it's a celebration of flavors that stands on its own merits. The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and velvety sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. Whether you're following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor, this dish delivers on all fronts. Buon appetito!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent zucchini noodles from getting soggy?
Cook zucchini noodles briefly, just 2-3 minutes, and toss gently off heat to avoid excess moisture and maintain a firm texture.
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, thaw shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even searing and prevent sogginess in the sauce.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it may reduce richness and thickness slightly.
- → Are sun-dried tomatoes packed in water acceptable?
Yes, but for more flavor, tomatoes packed in oil can be used after draining thoroughly to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
- → How should I season the shrimp before cooking?
Season with salt, black pepper, and half of the dried Italian herbs to enhance natural flavors before searing.
