Description
Indulgent Creamy Shrimp Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles offers a delicious low-carb twist on classic Alfredo pasta. Featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce paired with fresh zucchini noodles, this quick 30-minute dish is perfect for a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and lighter than traditional pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound Large Shrimp (Peeled and deveined)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Substitute with cayenne for a spicier option)
- Salt (To taste)
- Black Pepper (To taste)
Zucchini Noodles
- 4 medium Zucchini (Spiralized into noodles)
- Salt (For sweating zucchini noodles, about 1 teaspoon)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Rich flavor; can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
- 2 cloves Fresh Garlic (Minced; fresh is best)
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened for easier blending)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (For richness; can substitute with coconut cream)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated for best flavor)
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley (Chopped; can substitute with chives or omit)
Instructions
- Prepare Zucchini Noodles: Begin by spiralizing the zucchini into noodles. Place the noodles in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sweat for about 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika (or cayenne if you prefer more heat).
- Cook the Shrimp: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Add the minced garlic in the last 30 seconds of cooking to release its aroma without burning.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese and remaining butter to the skillet, whisking continuously until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring frequently until it thickens and becomes rich and creamy.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Toss Together and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp and zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles and shrimp evenly with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- To keep zucchini noodles from becoming soggy, sweating them with salt before cooking is essential.
- Substitute olive oil for butter and coconut cream for heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- For a spicier kick, replace paprika with cayenne pepper.
- This dish is best served immediately after tossing to maintain the texture of the zucchini noodles.
