Dinner · Seafood · Pasta · Italian-American

Shrimp Scampi With Zucchini Ribbons

A vibrant shrimp scampi featuring succulent prawns sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with delicate zucchini ribbons and linguine.

4.8(317 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Shrimp Scampi With Zucchini Ribbons — Italian-American Dinner served and photographed from above
Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Prep the Veggies

  1. 1

    Ribbon the Zucchini

    Use a wide vegetable peeler to shave the zucchini into long, thin ribbons. Stop when you reach the seedy core.

    Tip: Save the cores for a smoothie or soup base later.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi With Zucchini Ribbons

Total time: 20 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 60 ml of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Sear the Shrimp

    Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

  4. 4

    Deglaze

    Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and let the liquid reduce by half, about 3 minutes. This concentrates the flavor.

  5. 5

    Combine Everything

    Add the zucchini ribbons, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss gently with tongs for 1 minute to coat the strands.

  6. 6

    Final Toss

    Return the shrimp to the pan along with the lemon zest and parsley. Toss for 30 seconds until everything is hot and the zucchini is just barely wilted.

Chef's Tips

  • Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to get a better sear.
  • Do not overcook the zucchini ribbons; they should have a slight bite to mimic the texture of the pasta.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in an extra tablespoon of cold butter just before serving.

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi With Zucchini Ribbons

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve in warmed shallow bowls.
  • Pair with a glass of the same white wine used in the sauce.
  • Offer extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Keto Version: Omit the linguine and use four zucchini instead of two.

Variation

Herb Swap: Use fresh basil or chives instead of parsley for a different aromatic profile.

Variation

Extra Crunch: Top with toasted panko breadcrumbs for texture.

Storage & Reheating

Best enjoyed immediately. If storing, keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid rubbery shrimp.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or extra clam juice mixed with a squeeze of lemon.

How do I stop my shrimp scampi from being watery?

Ensure you drain the cooked pasta well and do not overcook the zucchini, as it releases water the longer it sits on heat.

What is the best shrimp size for scampi?

Large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count) are ideal because they stay juicy and provide a great visual contrast to the ribbons.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before they hit the hot skillet.

Is this shrimp scampi gluten-free?

As written, it contains wheat pasta. To make it gluten-free, use a certified GF pasta or use only zucchini ribbons.

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