Skinnytaste Zoodles with Shrimp and Feta: A 15-Minute Low-Carb Delight
Looking for a meal that’s both healthy and incredibly quick to prepare? This delightful Skinnytaste Zoodles with Shrimp and Feta recipe comes together in a mere 15 minutes, offering a burst of fresh flavors and satisfying protein. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something nutritious without sacrificing taste or spending hours in the kitchen.
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Embrace the Zoodle Revolution: A Healthy Pasta Alternative
It’s almost hard to believe that this marks my very first dedicated zoodle recipe on the blog, especially considering how long I (and indeed, the rest of the culinary world) have been enjoying spiralized zucchini. If your goal is to truly clean up your eating habits and significantly increase your vegetable intake, diving into the world of spiralized vegetables is an excellent starting point. Investing in a good spiralizer opens up a universe of possibilities for enjoying vegetables in new, exciting, and seriously endless ways. Zoodles offer a fantastic, low-carb, and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, making healthy eating both easy and enjoyable.
A Trusted Source: Skinnytaste and Gina Homolka’s Culinary Genius
Today’s fantastic recipe comes directly from my dear friend Gina Homolka’s highly anticipated new cookbook, Skinnytaste Fast and Slow. Many of you are likely already well-acquainted with her incredibly popular blog, Skinnytaste, and her bestselling first cookbook, The Skinnytaste Cookbook. In my household, we are immense fans of Gina’s culinary creations. My children frequently request her comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup, while my husband absolutely adores my adaptation of her Slow Cooker Turkey Picadillo. Her recipes consistently embody everything I love about cooking: they are simple, bursting with flavor, and built upon a foundation of fresh, real ingredients. This approach to cooking makes healthy eating accessible and delicious for everyone.
Secure Your Copy Today: Skinnytaste Fast and Slow Cookbook
Discovering “Skinnytaste Fast and Slow”: Your Guide to Efficient, Healthy Cooking
Gina’s latest cookbook, Skinnytaste Fast and Slow, which hit shelves just this week, is a culinary gem specifically designed for those who juggle busy schedules while prioritizing healthy eating. It ingeniously focuses on two categories: healthy quick-fix meals and convenient slow cooker recipes. Beyond the impressive collection of 140 nutritious recipes, the introductory sections of the cookbook are packed with invaluable tips for seamlessly integrating both fast and slow cooking methods into your routine. Perhaps one of its most helpful features is a full month’s worth of pre-planned meals, taking the guesswork out of daily dinner preparations. For anyone committed to nourishing themselves and their family well, this book serves as an exceptional guide, providing both a roadmap and a diverse array of delectable recipes.
For individuals tracking their intake, especially those following Weight Watchers, Gina has thoughtfully provided the specific Smart Points for all her recipes within the book, conveniently available here. This commitment to transparency and helpfulness is just another reason why Skinnytaste has garnered such a loyal following.
Why This Zoodle, Shrimp, and Feta Dish Is a Weeknight Winner
This Skinnytaste Zoodles with Shrimp and Feta recipe holds a special place in my heart – and my husband’s! While our children haven’t yet developed a love for shrimp, it’s our go-to for a perfect “adults-only” dinner. I truly cannot emphasize enough how incredibly fast this meal comes together. In the past month or so, I’ve been diligently working on shedding some extra weight, and my focus has been on creating dinners that are light, yet robustly filled with protein. This recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s an ideal solution for those nights when I have just enough leftovers to feed the kids, allowing my husband and me to treat ourselves to something distinctively fresh, healthy, and satisfying.
Tips for Perfect Zoodles and Shrimp:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, about 2 minutes per side until just opaque. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so keep a close eye on it!
- Crisp-Tender Zoodles: Zucchini noodles release water quickly. For the best texture, cook them quickly over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until they are just crisp-tender – not mushy.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Fresh oregano, lemon juice, and good quality feta cheese make a huge difference in the overall flavor profile.
- Mind the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly. Cook it until golden, typically 30-60 seconds, to prevent bitterness.
Customizing Your Zoodle Experience: Variations & Alternatives
One of the beauties of a simple, fresh recipe like this is its versatility. While the combination of shrimp and feta with zoodles is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking. If shrimp isn’t your preferred protein, consider swapping it for grilled chicken, pan-seared scallops, or even a plant-based option like chickpeas or tofu. For those who enjoy more vegetables, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or thinly sliced bell peppers can be added during the zoodle cooking phase to boost nutrients and color.
And if you’re truly not interested in zoodles – perhaps craving something more hearty – there are plenty of delicious alternatives. You can find excellent guidance on how to sauté shrimp for traditional pasta. Indeed, I can never get enough of classic shrimp and pasta dishes!
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this dish promises a flavorful and healthy dining experience. Enjoy the recipe, and have a wonderful rest of your week!
Print Recipe
Skinnytaste Zoodles with Shrimp and Feta
- Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
- Yield: serves 2
- Category: Fish, Healthy, Low-Carb
- Method: Stovetop, Quick Cook
Healthy, flavorful, and incredibly simple, this Skinnytaste Zoodles with Shrimp and Feta recipe transforms into a delicious meal in just 15 minutes! Perfect for a quick, low-carb, and high-protein dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 12 large (jumbo) shrimp, peeled and deveined (1/2 pound)
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium zucchini (14 ounces total), spiralized using the thick setting and cut into 6-inch lengths
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon of the chopped oregano, 1/8 teaspoon of the salt, and a generous pinch of pepper to taste. Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet and cook until they are just opaque and pink, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.
- Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring continuously, until it turns fragrant and light golden, typically 30 to 60 seconds. Be vigilant to prevent the garlic from burning, as it can quickly become bitter. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet, along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano, the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 1/2 minutes, until the zucchini is crisp-tender. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, then remove the pan from the heat immediately.
- Evenly divide the cooked zucchini noodles between two plates. Top each serving with the perfectly cooked shrimp, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of grated lemon zest for a bright finish. Serve hot and enjoy this quick, healthy, and flavorful meal!
Notes
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories 238 / Fat 10 g / Saturated Fat 4 g / Fiber 2.5 g / Protein 26 g
To recreate this simple yet impressive recipe, you’ll find these tools particularly helpful:
- Spiralizer (I personally use this reliable model from Paderno. Alternatively, this Spiralizer by Ali Maffucci of Inspiralized also boasts excellent reviews and is a fan favorite.)
- Nonstick Skillet (Essential for easy cooking and cleanup, I consistently rely on these in my kitchen.)
- Tongs (Indispensable for turning shrimp and tossing noodles efficiently.)
This wonderful recipe is courtesy of Skinnytaste Fast and Slow by Gina Homolka, a cookbook we highly recommend for healthy, delicious meals.