Pesto Zoodle Shrimp Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto Zoodle Shrimp Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes

Mia

This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish reimagines the classic Italian-American shrimp scampi by swapping traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a lighter yet equally satisfying meal. Succulent shrimp are sautéed in fragrant garlic and olive oil, then tossed with fresh basil pesto and tender zucchini ribbons that soak up every bit of the aromatic sauce. Bursting cherry tomatoes add pops of sweetness and acidity that perfectly balance the rich, herbaceous pesto.

What makes this dish truly special is how it captures all the indulgent flavors of traditional scampi while aligning perfectly with Mediterranean Diet principles. The zucchini noodles provide a satisfying texture and volume without the heavy feeling that comes from refined pasta, while the shrimp delivers lean protein and the pesto contributes heart-healthy fats from olive oil and nuts. Cherry tomatoes not only add visual appeal but also provide lycopene and vitamins.

Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both nutritious and restaurant-quality. The key to success is not overcooking the zucchini noodles—they should remain slightly crisp to avoid becoming watery. The result is a colorful, aromatic dinner that proves healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Nutrition

25 minutes
None servings
365 calories
Fat 21.00g
Carbs 12.00g
Protein 32.00g

Ingredients

4 mediumzucchini, spiralized into noodles
1.5 lbslarge shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cupscherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cupbasil pesto, store-bought or homemade
3 tbspextra virgin olive oil, divided
4 clovesgarlic, minced
1 largelemon, zested and juiced
1/4 tspred pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tspsalt
1/4 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1/4 cupfresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
2 tbspParmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
tongs
chef's knife
zester or microplane
measuring cups and spoons
colander
spiralizer or julienne peeler
large skillet or sauté pan
paper towels or clean kitchen towel
serving plates or bowls

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 approach with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods including zucchini, shrimp, tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh herbs. The small amount of parmesan cheese represents the flexible 20%, while the overall dish emphasizes anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich ingredients.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients including omega-3-rich shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, garlic, and colorful vegetables. The dish avoids refined carbohydrates and processed foods while emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that support reduced inflammation.

Carb Cycling

This recipe is ideal for LOW-CARB days in a carb cycling plan, featuring zucchini noodles instead of pasta to keep net carbs minimal while providing lean protein from shrimp and healthy fats from olive oil and pesto to support fat-burning phases.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its focus on whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh vegetables, wild-caught shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs. Every ingredient is recognizable in its natural form, avoiding refined grains, artificial additives, and processed components.

Diabetic Diet

This recipe is excellent for diabetic management as it uses low-glycemic zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta, preventing blood sugar spikes. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables provides balanced nutrition that supports stable blood glucose levels.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using spiralized zucchini instead of wheat-based pasta and featuring whole food ingredients like shrimp, vegetables, and herbs. As long as the pesto is verified gluten-free (or homemade), this dish provides a safe and delicious gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta dishes.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe supports cardiovascular health with omega-3-rich shrimp, heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, and abundant vegetables. It avoids refined carbohydrates and excessive sodium while providing lean protein and anti-inflammatory ingredients that promote heart health.

High-Protein Diet

With 1.5 lbs of shrimp serving 4 people, this recipe delivers approximately 30-35g of high-quality, lean protein per serving. The protein-rich shrimp is the star of the dish, making it perfect for those prioritizing protein intake while keeping the meal light and nutritious.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense recipe is perfect for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing lean protein from shrimp, healthy fats from olive oil and pesto, and fiber-rich vegetables that promote satiety and stable blood sugar levels throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating by offering a satisfying, flavorful meal that honors both taste preferences and gentle nutrition. It provides balanced nourishment with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables while focusing on enjoyment and satisfaction rather than restriction or guilt.

Ketogenic Diet

This recipe is ideal for keto with zucchini noodles replacing traditional pasta, keeping net carbs very low while providing high-quality fats from olive oil and pesto. The shrimp delivers protein while the vegetable base ensures the dish stays within keto macronutrient ratios of high fat, moderate protein, and minimal carbs.

Low-Carb Diet

By replacing traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, this recipe keeps net carbs well under 15g per serving while delivering satisfying texture and flavor. The combination of shrimp, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables makes it an ideal low-carb meal.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its emphasis on extra virgin olive oil, abundant vegetables (zucchini and cherry tomatoes), seafood as the primary protein, fresh herbs, and lemon for flavoring. The dish prioritizes whole, unprocessed ingredients and heart-healthy fats while avoiding refined grains and processed foods.

Mindful Eating

This vibrant dish is perfect for mindful eating with its variety of colors, textures, and aromas that engage all the senses. The combination of tender zucchini ribbons, succulent shrimp, bursting tomatoes, and aromatic garlic and basil encourages slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation.

Pegan Diet

This recipe aligns with Pegan principles by centering on vegetables (zucchini and tomatoes comprise 75% of the dish) with shrimp as a high-quality protein accompaniment. It uses healthy fats from olive oil and pesto, avoids grains and dairy (except minimal parmesan), and focuses on low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Weight Watchers

This recipe aligns with Weight Watchers principles by featuring lean protein from shrimp, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and using healthy fats in moderation. The zucchini noodles provide volume and satisfaction without excess calories, making it a filling yet nutritious choice for weight management.

Instructions

1

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper. Set aside on a plate.

2 min
2

Spiralize the zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer. Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture, then gently press with paper towels to absorb the liquid.

5 min
3
2 min

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.

4
2 min

Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook without moving for 2 minutes until the bottom turns pink and slightly golden.

5
2 min

Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

6
1 min

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.

7
3 min

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8
2 min

Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently with tongs for 1-2 minutes just until slightly softened but still crisp-tender. Do not overcook or they will become watery.

9

Remove the skillet from heat and add the pesto, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the zoodles are evenly coated with the pesto.

1 min
10

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine and warm through, about 30 seconds.

1 min
11

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

12

Divide the pesto zoodle shrimp scampi among four serving plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions