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One-Pot Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles — Italian-American Keto recipe, 22 min, serves 4Italian-American

One-Pot Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
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High protein

Garlic butter shrimp tossed with zucchini noodles — the scampi recipe in 22 minutes, 4 g net carbs per serving. Lighter than the pasta original and arguably better.

22
min
10
prep
🔥
12
cook
👥
4
servings
290
kcal / serving
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Instructions

1

Spiralize the zucchini, or buy pre-spiralized noodles. Place in a colander, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, let drain 10 minutes.

10:00
💡 Salting draws moisture out of the zucchini — critical to avoid watery scampi.
2

Pat shrimp very dry. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.

3

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil + 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer.

💡 Single layer for proper searing — crowded shrimp steam.
4

Cook shrimp 90 seconds per side until pink and just opaque. Remove to a plate.

3:00
💡 Shrimp overcook in 30 seconds — pink and curled is done. Don't wait for orange or firm.
5

Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to the pan. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 60 seconds until fragrant.

6

Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Simmer 2 minutes until reduced by half.

2:00
7

Squeeze excess water from drained zucchini noodles (use hands or a clean towel). Add to the pan, toss 90 seconds — just heated through, not soggy.

1:30
💡 If you cook zucchini noodles too long, they release water and become limp. 90 seconds is the max.
8

Return shrimp to the pan, add parsley, toss to coat. Top with parmesan if using.

💡 The butter sauce should cling to the zoodles, not pool at the bottom.

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Common Questions

Net carbs per serving?
Approximately 4 g — zucchini has 3 g per 200 g, plus 1 g from garlic and wine. The shrimp and butter contribute zero.
Can I use frozen pre-spiralized zucchini?
Yes — thaw completely, salt and drain extra well (frozen zucchini releases more water than fresh).
Skip the wine?
Replace with chicken broth + ½ tablespoon extra lemon juice. You lose some depth but it still works.
Is white wine keto?
Yes — dry white wine has about 1 g carbs per 60 ml. Avoid sweet wines.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
Chianti Classico or Barbera d'Asti — Italy's medium-bodied reds match tomato acidity perfectly.
🍺
Beer
Italian pilsner like Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
🍸
Cocktail
Aperol Spritz — bitter-sweet aperitif balances rich pasta.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with lemon and a sprig of basil.

Ingredient substitutions

IngredientReplace withRatioNotes
parmesanPecorino Romano1:1Saltier and sharper; reduce added salt slightly.
Grana Padano1:1Milder, slightly less aged.
white winechicken or vegetable broth + 1 tsp white wine vinegar1:1Alcohol-free. Vinegar provides the acidity wine would.

Why this recipe works

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The story behind this recipe ▾
Shrimp scampi originated in 1920s Italian-American kitchens as a riff on traditional Italian 'scampi alla griglia' (grilled langoustines). The keto version with zucchini noodles is a 2010s addition — zoodles arrived on Pinterest around 2014 and entered the mainstream keto canon around 2017.
This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
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