Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp
Quick zucchini noodles with pesto and grilled shrimp is a summery dinner ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to perfect zucchini noodles is to cook them just until al dente. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refreshing Blueberry Coconut Water Drink Recipe and Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe with Cream Cheese Filling.
Why This Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp Is Pure Comfort
- Light and fresh, perfect for summer
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Better than takeout, healthier too
What You'll Need for Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- zucchini
- shrimp
- pesto
- garlic
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- red pepper flakes
- Optional: parmesan cheese
- Optional: fresh basil
📝 Ingredient Notes
- zucchini: Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to make noodles.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Spiralizer — Makes perfect zucchini noodles every time → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Even cooking and perfect sear for shrimp → See on Amazon
How to Make Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp
- Prepare zucchini noodles: Spiralize or julienne zucchini into noodles. Salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- Cook shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Cook zucchini noodles: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add zucchini noodles, cook for 3-5 minutes until just tender. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss with pesto: Toss cooked zucchini noodles with pesto until well coated. Add cooked shrimp and toss to combine. Serve with optional toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook zucchini noodles. They become watery and mushy. Cook just until al dente.
- Time-saving tip: Prepare zucchini noodles ahead of time. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Flavor boost: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto for extra brightness.
Storing & Reheating Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Zucchini noodles can be prepared ahead of time, but not cooked.
Freezing Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp
Not recommended for zucchini noodles.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to create wider, ribbon-like zucchini noodles.
- Best substitution: Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or your favorite protein.
- Make-ahead: Prepare zucchini noodles and pesto ahead of time. Cook and assemble just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more.
- Troubleshooting: If zucchini noodles are watery, blot them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-speed blender — Makes smooth and creamy pesto in seconds → Check price on Amazon
Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- zucchini
- shrimp
- pesto
- garlic
- olive oil
Seasonings
- salt
- pepper
- red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- parmesan cheese
- fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare zucchini noodles: Spiralize or julienne zucchini into noodles. Salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- Cook shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Cook zucchini noodles: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add zucchini noodles, cook for 3-5 minutes until just tender. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss with pesto: Toss cooked zucchini noodles with pesto until well coated. Add cooked shrimp and toss to combine. Serve with optional toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to create wider, ribbon-like zucchini noodles.
- Best substitution: Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or your favorite protein.
- Make-ahead: Prepare zucchini noodles and pesto ahead of time. Cook and assemble just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more.
- Troubleshooting: If zucchini noodles are watery, blot them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for zucchini noodles.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Zucchini noodles can be prepared ahead of time, but not cooked.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 175mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp FAQs
Yes, you can prepare zucchini noodles ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, don't cook them until ready to serve.
Zucchini noodles release moisture when cooked. To prevent this, salt them first and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Then, rinse and pat them dry before cooking.
Yes, you can use store-bought pesto to save time. However, homemade pesto is fresher and has better flavor.
Store leftover zucchini noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Yes, you can cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then, follow the recipe to cook the zucchini noodles on the stove.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
